Regina Transit ditches R-Card for new Umo app with fare capping

Out with the R-Card, in with the app – your bus commute in Regina just levelled up.

“The R-Card is over 13 years old, and it is time for a retirement,” said Regina transit director Nathan Luhning.

The City of Regina has upgraded its transit system, so riders can now use an app called Umo to pay for and download their transit passes.

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Luhning said if a rider isn’t tech-savvy or doesn’t have a phone, they can still use cash for their bus passes or a new Umo card.

“If  customers just want to go into one of our agents and have them still load it, nothing will change, so they can keep doing what they are doing,” Luhning explained.

That said, Luhning assured transit riders that the process of downloading the app is fairly easy.

“If you have some experience with using apps, it is not a big deal. You sign up, you put in some information, and then you can start purchasing passes right away.”

The city is also introducing fare capping, which Luhning explained may save some customers money.

“Umo will cap the amount charged each day at $8.70, so after every third ride each day it will be free for them to ride. As well, Umo will cap at $88 for a month, so anything beyond 31 rides in a month will be free,” Luhning said.

“Ultimately, fare caping ensures customers never overpay for their fare, rewards loyal users with free trips, and spreads out the cost of a monthly pass over the month, instead of paying $88 up front.”

The rides and passes that people used with the R-Card will still be available through Umo.

R-Cards can still be used on the bus until October 31.