Regina transit customers can now pay for their ride with their phone

Regina transit customers can now pay for their ride with their phone, as a new fare payment system launched on Tuesday.

The new system is called Umo, which gives people a chance to pay for their ride directly through a free app on their phone. After they download it, they can load their passes on their phone without the need for a card, according to a release from the City of Regina.

For people who prefer to use a physical card, they can load them in person through a transit agent or online.

Umo charges a discounted fare of $2.90 to the customer's prepaid online account and also offers a fare cap. 

“Umo will cap at $88 for a month so anything beyond 31 rides will be free,” Director of transit Nathan Luhning said. 

The current R-Card will be phased out but can be used until Oct. 31, 2024.

Some transit users feel the new fare payment system will be more convenient. 

“That would be a lot easier than having to go to the bank to get money for change,” Russia Strongarm said. 

Riders can still opt for a prepaid card or use cash. That remains the preferred option for some.

“I usually just go down to Transit and get it done," Cheryl Browne said. "I don't do anything online." 

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Regina Transit hopes the changes will make ridership more convenient. For those who use the cards or the app, there will also be savings over paying cash.

Options to pay by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay will be brought in next year, according to the city.

As well, over 25,000 hours of transit service on weekends, holidays, and evenings will be added starting Aug. 25, 2024.