Edmonton launching debit, credit tap payment pilot program to public transit system

Edmonton is working on adding a new payment feature to the public transit system, which will allow you to pay your bus or LRT fare by tapping your debit, credit, or even your phone before you ride.

That’s music to the ears for some riders, unimpressed with the arc cards.

“Sometimes, when I tap, it’s not working,” said one Edmontonian.

Another saying, “The app to pay for it doesn’t work all the time.”

The city is launching a six-week pilot program this August, with about 30 transit riders testing out the new model of using payment cards as an easier, more accessible option.

The city estimates there are about 500,000 reloadable Arc cards in Edmonton and its surrounding communities, and 20,000 have been reported lost since the program launched in August 2021.

“For regular Adult riders, the Tap to Pay rate for debit/credit cards will be $3,” said the City in a statement. “For overall bus and LRT ridership, numbers are included below. Please note that ridership refers to the total number of origin-to-destination trips, regardless of the number of transfers required to complete the trip.”

The City of Edmonton says in 2019, there were 55.2 million rides. Coming out of the pandemic, there were 53.5 million rides in 2023. That jumped to 61.9 million rides in 2024. So far in 2025, there’s been 31.8 million rides.

This isn’t replacing any of the current payment methods. But at least one person CityNews spoke to says he’ll make the switch, having already lost two Arc cards.

“I’ll get rid of it for sure. Yeah, cause it’s way better on the phone. I always have my phone on me, and yeah, I won’t forget my phone whenever I go,” said one Edmontonian.

The city says adding card payments was always the plan, but you may be wondering, why is it taking so long to do it, when other cities have this in place already?

A spokesperson with the city says they wanted to set up ridership programs for other demographics first, including seniors, university students, youth, and those with lower incomes.

“We really wanted to focus on helping that group, providing the support, making sure clear instructions, doing outreach, and so that’s why open payment was last,” said Sarah Feldman, the director of transit planning, ridership, and revenue for the Edmonton Transit Service.

Debit and credit card payments are expected to become a permanent option for all riders later this year, but when that will happen exactly has not been decided yet.

Riders say they’re excited for the change to take effect.

“The Arc cards are nice, but it would be a lot easier if it was just on your phone,” said a transit rider.

Another said, “It makes it simpler, just because a lot of people lose their ARC cards.”

“I want to tap my phone. It’s much more accessible. It’s more easy for me.”

The pilot will wrap up mid-September. You can sign up to be considered for the pilot by visiting the Arc website.