Arc Card unveiled
Today, Edmonton Transit Service and regional transit partners mark an exciting step towards implementation of the smart fare electronic fare payment system, with the unveiling of Arc, the brand new “brand” look and feel for the upcoming smart way to pay for and ride transit.
“We’re excited to introduce the Arc brand and turn on the Arc card validators on our transit system. These are important program milestones as we continue to modernize transit service throughout the greater Edmonton region,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager of Edmonton Transit Service. “Arc symbolizes forging a path between two points, much like how transit connects us to vital services, each other and our region.”
Once available, Arc cards can be used as electronic fare payment on participating transit agencies including Beaumont, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, St. Albert, Spruce Grove and Strathcona County. Customers also have the option to continue to pay with cash, paper passes and paper tickets.
Arc will be thoughtfully pilot tested and rolled out in phases to ensure a seamless onboarding experience for future customers. This summer, the first pilot testers from across the region will include a selection of Adult regular fare users, U-Pass users and transit staff.
The phased introduction of Arc this fall will be available for Adult regular fare users and post-secondary students who use U-Pass. Phase 2 will launch in 2022 and will be an option for a wider range of customer groups, including those who use the Ride Transit Program and seniors passes.
Customers will get access to Arc’s unique product features. This includes having payments count towards a daily or monthly fare cap (a maximum amount that can be paid over the period), and adding only as much money as they want to their Arc account at one time. Another benefit is the money is stored in an Arc account, not on the card itself, which brings peace of mind if the registered card is lost or stolen. Once money is added, the card can be used immediately for a trip on transit.
To support the rollout, tap on/tap off Arc card readers have been already installed on most participating transit agency buses and smart fare vending machines are being installed in Edmonton LRT stations and key regional transit locations. These machines will accept cash, debit or credit card payment and will remain off until the pilot testing begins this summer.
Customers can find timely updates and information at edmonton.ca/SmartFare or participating regional transit web pages.
For more information:
edmonton.ca/SmartFare
strathcona.ca/smartfare
stalbert.ca/city/transit/fares/