Arc payment system will launch in the Edmonton area on Nov. 21

Regional transit riders in Edmonton, Alberta will have a new fare payment system available starting Nov. 21, 2022, when Arc launches.

The city of Edmonton calls Arc “a more convenient and flexible way to pay for and take transit.” The account-based ticketing platform will be available on Edmonton Transit System (ETS), as well as on regional transit partners in Beaumont, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, St. Albert, Spruce Grove and Strathcona County.

“We’re very excited to expand the use of Arc to one of the largest fare groups in the region,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, branch manager of Edmonton Transit Service. “This is an important milestone toward building a strong, integrated transit service that gives people a more modern, reliable and seamless way to travel around the greater Edmonton region.”

The fare system will begin with standard adult riders and will expand in 2023 to include seniors, youth, students, eligible low-income pass riders and paratransit service riders.

Arc users can tap on and off transit modes using their Arc card, add money to their accounts or checking account balances anytime and pay using credit and debit. The Arc system also brings fare capping to regional transit services.

"Through Arc, we will be the first region in Canada to offer regional fare capping, ensuring riders travelling across regions will always get the best fare possible,” said Wade Coombs, transit director of Strathcona County Transit. “This will enhance regional mobility and reduce the financial barrier for riders who prefer not to pay for a pass upfront."

The Standard Adult fare group represents general ridership with no eligibility requirements or discounted fare prices. This group now joins the UPass riders and Arc pilot participants who have been using Arc since August 2021. Riders over the age of 18 in Fort Saskatchewan and Leduc are expected to begin using Arc in 2023.

The phased approach is a way to ensure all transit riders in other fare groups get the proper support they need to feel comfortable and confident using Arc and to secure remaining equipment.

“People from all economic backgrounds and age groups are welcome to use Arc under the Standard Adult fare profile, but we strongly encourage those who are eligible for discounted fares to wait until Arc is rolled out to discounted fare groups in 2023 to get the most benefit out of the system and to continue using paper fare products until then,” Hotton-MacDonald said.