{"id":14730,"date":"2025-01-28T20:56:36","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T20:56:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/torontotribune.ca\/index.php\/2025\/01\/28\/edmonton-transit-services-updated-tap-to-pay-system-inches-closer-to-implementation-edmonton\/"},"modified":"2025-01-28T20:56:36","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T20:56:36","slug":"edmonton-transit-services-updated-tap-to-pay-system-inches-closer-to-implementation-edmonton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/torontotribune.ca\/index.php\/2025\/01\/28\/edmonton-transit-services-updated-tap-to-pay-system-inches-closer-to-implementation-edmonton\/","title":{"rendered":"Edmonton Transit Service\u2019s updated tap-to-pay system inches closer to implementation – Edmonton"},"content":{"rendered":"


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While the Edmonton Transit Service\u2019s<\/a> new electronic fare payment system began rolling out in stages since 2022<\/a>, testing is currently underway to make the Arc open-payment system a functioning reality for transit users before the end of the year.<\/p>\n

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When the system\u2019s hardware upgrade is complete, riders will be able to pay fares by tapping their credit or debit cards or by using their digital wallets.<\/p>\n

Sarah Feldman, the ETS\u2019<\/a> director of transit planning, ridership and revenue, recently told Global News that ETS and its regional partners have been working on replacing Arc fare validators in transit vehicles and facilities since November. The system upgrade is intended to provide enhanced security for when tap-to-pay becomes an option.<\/p>\n

Right now, transit users can load money onto their Arc cards by using a credit card, debit card or cash, ether online, by phone, at an Arc vending machine or at an in-person service centre or retail outlet. Riders who do not use transit often can buy 90-minute or 24-hour tickets instead of an Arc card.<\/p>\n

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Feldman said the Arc system is aimed at offering more convenience and flexibility for Edmontonians who use transit.<\/p>\n

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Coun. Michael Janz, who represents Ward papastew, told Global News on Tuesday that he believes modernizing how people pay their transit fares is \u201clong overdue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think having more flexibility in how we pay for transit is really exciting,\u201d he said. \u201cYou think when we might be out on the town, you\u2019re trying to figure out where to go but you forgot your bus pass or you don\u2019t have coins \u2014 I never carry coins.<\/p>\n