Edmonton Bus Payment Options: A Guide

Edmonton has a well-established public transportation system, including buses and a Light Rail Train (LRT) service. The city has introduced an electronic fare system called Arc, which is a tap-on, tap-off account-based payment system. Arc cards are credit card-sized plastic cards that can be preloaded with any amount between $4 and $500. They can be tapped when entering and exiting buses and LRT stations. Passengers can also use Arc tickets, which are single-use transit tickets valid for 90 minutes or one day. For those without an Arc card or ticket, cash is the only other payment option, and exact change is required when paying with cash on buses. Tickets can be purchased at fare vending machines in LRT stations, from certified retailers, or online from the official website. Some major convenience stores such as 7-Eleven also sell tickets and passes.

Paying by cash

When paying by cash, you must have the exact change ready, as operators do not carry change. You will be provided with a transfer when you pay your fare, which you should keep as proof of payment in case you are asked to present it. This transfer is valid for 90 minutes, during which time you can make transfers to other buses or the LRT to complete your trip.

You can buy tickets from the driver when boarding the bus, or from a ticket vending machine at any LRT station. Tickets are also sold at certified retailers and online from the official ETS website. Some major convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, also sell tickets and passes.

It is important to note that Edmonton is transitioning to an electronic fare payment system called Arc. This is a tap-on, tap-off card that can be preloaded with money and used on buses and at LRT stations. While cash is still accepted, you may also find it convenient to use the Arc card to pay for your bus trips.

Paying with an Arc card

Arc is the Edmonton region's electronic fare payment system. It offers a reloadable Arc card that you tap on validators when entering and exiting buses and LRT platforms on participating regional transit systems. The Arc card is a pay-as-you-go option, allowing you to load money onto your account as needed. You can add as little as $4 at a time.

Where to Buy and Use an Arc Card:

You can purchase an Arc card online through the ETS Online Store, at the Edmonton Service Centre, or at various sales outlets located throughout the city. Once you have your Arc card, you can use it on buses and LRT platforms that are part of the participating regional transit systems. Remember to tap your card on the validator when boarding and exiting to ensure you are charged correctly.

Benefits of the Arc Card:

Using the Arc card offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a convenient, cashless way to pay for your bus fares. Secondly, registering your Arc card online protects your funds in case of loss or theft. Additionally, with the Arc card, you don't need to worry about carrying exact change or purchasing tickets in advance.

Arc Card Fares:

The Arc card fares are designed to be flexible and cater to different types of users. There is a pay-as-you-go option with a 90-minute fare cap, as well as daily and monthly fare caps. This allows you to control your spending based on your usage. Additionally, there are specific fare options for youth, students, seniors, and adults, ensuring that everyone can access the system at affordable rates.

Additional Tips:

Remember to always carry your valid pass or proof of payment when riding ETS. For youth or senior riders, proof of age may be requested, so be sure to have that available as well. When using a transfer to complete your trip, keep in mind that it is valid for 90 minutes, and you may need to show it as proof of payment until you reach your destination.

Paying with an Arc ticket

Purchasing Arc Tickets

Arc tickets are available for purchase at Arc fare vending machines located in transit centres and LRT stations throughout the city. You can buy either a 90-minute or a 24-hour single-use Arc ticket, depending on your travel needs. The tickets are affordable, and you can even load as little as $4 onto your account. It's important to note that these tickets are valid from the time they are first tapped on a validator, so plan your trip accordingly.

Using Arc Tickets on Buses

When boarding an Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) bus, you must validate your Arc ticket by tapping it on a validator as you enter the bus. Make sure to tap again when you exit to ensure you are charged the correct fare. Bus drivers do not carry change, so it's essential to have your Arc ticket ready. Keep in mind that you may be asked to show your ticket as proof of payment, so hold onto it until you reach your destination.

Using Arc Tickets on LRT

The Light Rail Train (LRT) system in Edmonton also accepts Arc tickets. When entering an LRT platform, remember to tap your Arc ticket on the validator. Staff may conduct fare checks, so be prepared to show your valid ticket if requested. Like on buses, you need to tap your Arc ticket when entering and exiting to ensure you are charged accurately.

Benefits of Arc Tickets

Using Arc tickets offers several advantages. Firstly, they provide a seamless travel experience by eliminating the need for exact change or physical tickets. Secondly, you can register your Arc card online, which protects your funds if your card is lost or stolen. Additionally, Arc tickets offer a flexible payment option, as you can purchase them whenever needed at vending machines or load money onto your account beforehand.

Paying with a pass

Passes are a great way to pay for your bus fare in Edmonton, especially if you're a frequent traveller. The Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) offers various pass options, which you can purchase online, at the Edmonton Service Centre, or from certified retailers and vending machines at LRT stations and transit centres. Some major convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, also sell ETS passes. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about paying with a pass:

Types of Passes

ETS offers different types of passes to cater to various rider needs:

• Monthly Passes: These provide unlimited travel for a calendar month and are available for adults, youth, seniors, and students. The cost varies depending on your age category. For adults (25-64), a monthly pass costs $100, while youth (24 and under) and senior citizens (65 and above) can purchase monthly passes for $73 and $35, respectively.
• 10-Day Passes: If you don't need a full month of unlimited travel, ETS offers 10-day passes. Youth, adult, and senior citizens can purchase these passes for $19.75, $27.75, and $19.75, respectively.
• Day Passes: Perfect for visitors or those who only need occasional travel, day passes offer unlimited travel for a single day.
• Annual Passes: Senior citizens (65 and above) who are residents of Edmonton are eligible for an annual pass.
• Family/Day Passes: Edmonton also offers family/day passes for families travelling together.
• Convention Transit Pass: This is a bulk fare option for conventions, exhibitions, seminars, or meetings.
• Yellow Bus Pass: This pass allows up to six trips per month on regular transit services before 8 pm.
• Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass): Eligible students at participating institutions can get unlimited travel on ETS and some regional providers.

Using Your Pass

When using a pass on an ETS bus, you must clearly display it to the driver. On the LRT, you don't need to scan your pass, but you must show it if a transit officer requests proof of payment. It's important to always carry your pass with you when riding ETS, as fare checks may be conducted.

Purchasing Your Pass

ETS passes can be purchased through multiple channels:

• Online: You can buy passes through the ETS Online Store or the ETS website.
• Edmonton Service Centre: Passes are available for purchase at the Edmonton Service Centre.
• Vending Machines: Ticket vending machines are available at LRT stations and transit centres.
• Certified Retailers: Passes can be purchased from certified retailers throughout the city, including major convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
• Schools: For students, monthly passes can be purchased at a discounted rate from their schools.

Arc Cards

In addition to the traditional passes, Edmonton has introduced the Arc card, a tap-on, tap-off electronic payment system. Arc cards are credit card-sized plastic cards that can be preloaded with any amount between $4 and $500. You tap the card when entering and exiting buses and LRT stations. The balance is stored in a secure online account, not on the card itself. Arc cards offer convenience and accessibility, and you can register your card online to protect your funds if it's lost or stolen.

Paying with a ticket

If you're planning to pay with a ticket when taking the bus in Edmonton, here's what you need to know:

Edmonton's public transportation system, known as the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), offers various fare options, including tickets. The ETS operates both buses and a Light Rail Train (LRT) system to get you around the city. Tickets for the bus or LRT can be purchased at fare vending machines located in LRT stations, online through the ETS website, or at certified retailers and sales outlets throughout the city, such as convenience and grocery stores.

When boarding a bus, you need to deposit your ticket into the bus farebox and receive a transfer slip, which serves as proof of payment. This transfer slip is important, as fare inspectors may ask to see it during your trip. Additionally, if you need to transfer to another bus or the LRT, you'll need to present this slip to continue your journey. It's also worth noting that ETS tickets are valid for 90 minutes from the time of issue, so you can make any necessary transfers within that timeframe.

For the LRT, you don't need to scan your ticket, but you must carry it with you and be prepared to show it if requested by a transit officer.

ETS offers different types of tickets, including single-ride tickets and ticket books. Ticket prices vary based on the rider's age and category, such as adult, youth, or senior. Additionally, ETS provides discounted tickets for certain groups, like students and low-income individuals.

It's important to stay updated with the ETS website for any changes in ticket prices and policies, as they may introduce new electronic fare payment systems and phase out older paper tickets.

Frequently asked questions