Purchasing Edmonton public transit tickets has long moved beyond traditional paper tickets and cash. With the advent of the innovative Arc system and the development of digital payment methods, Edmonton has provided residents and visitors with a variety of flexible ways to pay for their rides. Understanding these options is critical for newcomers, especially those arriving from abroad who are unfamiliar with Canada's digital public transit payment system. This article provides a detailed overview of all the ways to purchase tickets and services on Edmonton's buses and light rail transit lines.
A revolution in payment systems: from paper to digital
Just a few years ago, Edmonton, like most North American cities, relied on paper tickets and cash as the primary methods of payment on public transit. However, since November 2024, this scenario has changed dramatically. Edmonton Transit Service has discontinued the sale of paper tickets, ten-trip passes, and traditional monthly passes. Instead, the system has completely transitioned to the Arc digital platform, which functions as an electronic payment card and allows passengers to receive better fares and more flexibility when paying for their trips.
This transformation means that every passenger, including newcomers, must adapt to the new payment method. However, it is important to know that the city has not forgotten about people who do not have access to innovative payment methods. Cash and paper transfers are still accepted, allowing those who are not comfortable with digital systems to continue using public transportation without difficulty.
Arc: Edmonton's primary payment system
Arc is an electronic payment system designed specifically for the Edmonton region and surrounding communities. The system operates in six transit regions: Edmonton, St. Albert, Strathcona County, Beaumont, Fort Saskatchewan, and Spruce Grove. This interregional capability means that your Arc card works not only in Edmonton, but also in other surrounding communities, making it an incredibly flexible tool for people who travel frequently.
What is an Arc card?
An Arc card is a physical plastic card, similar to a credit card, that you load with money and use to pay for fares. The card contains built-in NFC technology, which allows you to tap the card on validators (special devices on buses and at LRT stations) to pay for and register your trip. Each time you board a bus or enter an LRT station, you tap your card and the system automatically calculates your fare.
The biggest advantage of the Arc card is its flexibility and convenience. Unlike paper tickets, which had a fixed cost, Arc allows you to add any amount of money you want and use it gradually. You can also access your account online, view your purchases, add more money, and get detailed reports on your trips.
How to purchase an Arc card
There are five main ways to purchase an Arc card, depending on your needs and convenience:
Online purchase — most convenient for those who are comfortable using the Internet. You can visit the website myarc.ca, click on the “My Arc” option, and purchase a card using a credit card (Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, Mastercard Debit, or American Express). However, there is one important point: when you order an Arc card online, you will need to wait 5-10 business days for the card to be delivered by mail. Therefore, online purchase is best for people who plan ahead and do not have an immediate need for the card.
Phone order — For people who prefer personal communication, you can call the Arc call center at 1-888-302-0001. Call center representatives can help you order a card and answer any questions you may have. Similar to online ordering, you will also receive your card by mail within 5-10 business days. This service is especially useful for older people or those without internet access, as they can communicate with a real person who speaks their language.
Arc vending machines — For those who need a card immediately, Arc vending machines are the solution. These machines are located at all LRT stations in Edmonton and at key transit hubs, including West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre and Mill Woods Transit Centre. At the machines, you can purchase an Arc card, add money to an existing card, check your account balance, and purchase other products such as Arc tickets. The machines accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards, making them a flexible option for most people. Unlike online and phone orders, the card is issued to you immediately, so you don't have to wait for delivery.
Retail Stores — Arc cards are also available at select retail stores throughout Edmonton. These locations include 7-Eleven stores, select Husky gas stations, and other participating retail partners. However, it is important to note that the list of retail stores on the Arc website is not always up to date. Some stores listed on the website may no longer have cards in stock. For this reason, if you decide to purchase a card at a retail store, it is recommended that you call ahead to ensure that the card is available before your visit.
Service centers — Each regional council and municipality provides a service center where you can purchase an Arc card, add money to your card, and get help registering your account. For Edmonton, the main service center is located at 10111 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 0J4, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is closed on holidays.
Cost of the Arc card
The Arc card costs $6 to purchase. This is a one-time fee, and you do not have to pay it again if you reload your card in the future. Six dollars is a reasonable price for a durable card that will serve you for years, unlike paper tickets that can be lost or damaged.
Loading money onto your Arc card
Once you have purchased your Arc card, you need to load money onto it to start using it. The system allows you to load a minimum of $4 and choose the maximum amount you want to add. This flexibility means you can add a small amount if you only plan on making a few trips, or a larger amount if you use public transportation frequently.
Ways to load money
There are four main ways to load money onto your Arc card:
Online — you can log into your Arc account on the myarc.ca website and add money using a credit or debit card. This is the most convenient method for those who prefer online services, as the money is added instantly, without delay. To do this, you must first register your Arc card online, which requires an email address and password.
By phone — similar to purchasing a card, you can call the Arc call center at 1-888-302-0001 and request to add money to your card using a credit card. Call center representatives will assist you in completing the process.
At an Arc vending machine — as mentioned earlier, Arc vending machines at LRT stations and transit centers allow you to load money onto your card. At the machines, you can insert cash, a credit card, or a debit card to add money to your card.
At a service center or retail store — If you prefer personal interaction, you can visit a service center or participating retail store and ask to add money to your Arc card. They will accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
Registering your Arc card
To get the most out of your Arc card, especially to access your account online and get access to some discount programs, you need to register your card. Registration adds a level of security to your card, as your balance will be protected if you lose your card. Registration also allows you to access a detailed history of your trips and manage your account online.
You can register your Arc card in only three ways: online at myarc.ca, by phone at 1-888-302-0001, or in person at a service center. It is important to note that you cannot register your card at retail stores or vending machines, even if you purchased your card there. Online registration requires an email address and password to create an account. If you do not have an email address, you can call the Arc call center, and a representative will be able to create an account without an email address.
Arc fares and tickets
Arc offers a variety of fare and ticket options designed for different types of users, from people who use transportation daily to tourists visiting Edmonton for a few days.
Current Arc fares (as of February 1, 2025)
90-minute trip — when you use your Arc card or ticket for a trip, you get a 90-minute transfer, which means you can make multiple trips on buses and LRT within those 90 minutes without paying extra. The Arc fare for a single trip is $3 for adults. This fare applies when you have loaded money onto your Arc card and tap the validator. Youths aged 6 to 18 receive a reduced fare, as do seniors aged 65 and over. Children 12 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger (a person who pays for their fare).
Cash fare — if you choose not to purchase an Arc card and instead pay cash on the bus, your cash fare is $3.75 for adults. The cash fare is 50 cents more than the Arc fare, which serves as an incentive for people to purchase an Arc card, as they will save money in the long run. However, the cash option remains available for people who do not have an Arc card. When you pay with cash, you need to have exact change, as bus drivers do not usually give change. Instead, you are given a paper transfer, which is valid for the same 90-minute window.
24-hour Arc ticket — For people who plan to make multiple trips in a single day, Arc offers a 24-hour ticket for $10.50. This ticket allows you to make unlimited trips within 24 hours of your first trip. This is a great option for tourists or people who have an active day in the city.
3-day Arc pass — This new option, launched in February 2025, costs $24 and allows you to make unlimited trips for 3 consecutive days. This pass is only valid on ETS buses (except for the 747 airport route) and LRT.
5-day Arc Pass — Similar to the 3-day pass, the 5-day pass costs $30 and allows you to take unlimited trips for 5 consecutive days. This option is especially useful for people who plan to stay in Edmonton for a week.
Monthly fare caps — The Arc system wisely uses what are called fare caps, which means that once you have spent a certain amount on travel during the month, you can ride for free for the rest of the month. For adults, the monthly cap is $102. This means that if you have spent $102 on travel in February, you can use public transportation for free for the rest of February. For seniors over 65, the monthly cap is $36, making the service much cheaper for this demographic. For young people aged 6 to 18, the monthly cap is $66. It is important to note that these caps apply automatically, without the need to sign up for a pass.
Arc tickets vs. Arc cards: what's the difference?
One potential source of confusion for newcomers is the difference between Arc tickets and Arc cards. Although they both work the same way (you tap them on the validator), they are designed for different types of users.
An Arc card is a reloadable card that you purchase once for $6 and then add money to repeatedly. The card lasts for years and becomes your permanent tool for paying for fares. The Arc card also gives you access to your online account, where you can view your travel history and manage your balance. The Arc card is the most economical for people who use public transportation frequently.
An Arc ticket is a single-use ticket, similar to the paper tickets of the past. Arc tickets do not require registration and can be purchased directly from a vending machine. You can purchase a 90-minute ticket or a 24-hour ticket depending on your needs. The ticket is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, so if you don't use it immediately, you'll have time to do so. Arc tickets are the best option for tourists or people who are waiting to determine the time ends of their trips, as you don't need to top up your card or worry about your balance.
How to use Arc on buses and LRT
Once you have purchased an Arc card or ticket and loaded money onto it (if it is a card), you are ready to use it. The process of using Arc is simple and intuitive for most people, but there are a few details that are important to know.
Tapping on and off the bus
When you board the bus, look to the right of the driver or at the front of the bus. You will see a yellow validator—this is the device you tap your Arc card on. Tap your card on the yellow device, holding the card steady for one second. You will hear a chime or voice message confirming that your card has been successfully read. The validator should flash green to indicate success.
It is very important to tap again when you exit the bus. This helps the Arc system calculate your fair fare. If you forget to tap when you exit, the system may charge you a “missing tap fare”, which may be higher than the regular fare. However, if you are only traveling within Edmonton, this additional fare is usually refunded automatically if you later log into the system online and prove the error.
Transferring between buses and LRT
One of the biggest advantages of Arc is that the system allows you to transfer between different modes of transportation at no extra charge as long as you stay within the 90-minute window. For example, if you board a bus and tap your card, then board the LRT 20 minutes later, you don't have to pay again. The system understands that you are still within the 90-minute transfer window and does not charge an additional fare. This makes Arc much more flexible than paper tickets, which often did not allow transfers between modes of transport or had complicated transfer rules.
What to do if the validator shows a red light
Sometimes, when you tap your card, the validator shows a red light instead of a green light. This means that the payment has not been processed. There are several possible reasons: you may not have enough money on your card, or the validator may have a technical problem. If this happens, try tapping on another validator on the bus or at the LRT station. If none of the validators are working, talk to the bus driver, who may allow you to ride without paying or give you a paper transfer. If you don't have enough money on your card, you will need to add money before your next trip.
Cash and paper transfers: an alternative to Arc
Although Arc is the primary system, Edmonton still accepts cash and issues paper transfers for people who do not have an Arc card or prefer cash. This is important for newcomers who may be unsure about digital systems or who are still waiting for their Arc card to be delivered.
Paying with cash on buses
To pay with cash on the bus, locate the cash box, located to the left of the driver, next to the Arc validator. The cash box is often clearly marked and shows where to place your money. Place the exact amount of cash in the cash box. The bus driver will sort the money, check the amount, and give you a paper transfer.
A paper transfer is a small piece of paper that shows the expiration time of your transfer, usually 90 minutes from the current time. This transfer can be used on any other bus or LRT within 90 minutes. When you board the next bus, simply show the paper transfer to the driver and you will be allowed to board without additional payment.
The importance of the exact amount
One of the key points when paying with cash is the need to have exact change. Unlike regular stores, where cashiers can give you change, bus drivers usually do not give change. If you put too much money in the fare box, you will lose the difference. Therefore, it is recommended that you prepare the exact amount in advance before boarding the bus. The current cash fare of $3.75 means that you need two $1 coins and three 25-cent coins, or another combination that adds up to $3.75.
Transfer Duration and Reuse
A paper transfer in Edmonton is valid for 90 minutes from the time of issue. The transfer will have an expiration time printed on it so you know how long you have to use it. This time allows you to make multiple trips within that window. Some bus drivers tend to be generous with time, so even if you board a little after 90 minutes, the driver may accept your transfer. However, you should not rely on this, as rules may vary from driver to driver.
Special discount programs
Edmonton understands that not everyone has the same financial ability to pay for public transportation. Therefore, the city has provided several discount programs for different groups of people.
Students and schoolchildren
U-Pass (Universal Transit Pass) — Students at MacEwan University, NorQuest College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the University of Alberta can purchase a U-Pass, which allows them to make unlimited trips during the semester. The U-Pass is valid for the winter, summer, and fall semesters, with different prices for each. This program is especially valuable for students, as unlimited travel is often cheaper than purchasing individual tickets for daily commutes to school.
School bus passes — Children who attend Edmonton public schools can purchase school bus passes. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, a one-time monthly bus pass costs $60 for K-12 students for use on ETS buses and LRT, or $50 for yellow school buses. The pass allows students unlimited travel, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Schools typically sell these passes each month, and parents can purchase them at the school office.
Seniors
Arc Senior Program — People 65 and older receive discounted Arc fares. Instead of paying $3 per trip like adults, seniors pay about 50 cents less. In addition, their monthly fare cap is only $36, which means that after spending $36, they can ride for free for the rest of the month. This option makes public transportation very affordable for people on a fixed income.
Subsidized senior passes — For low-income seniors, Edmonton offers free and subsidized Arc cards, depending on income. Pensioners with an annual income below a certain amount are eligible for a free Arc card, which allows them to ride for free. Those with incomes within a certain range are eligible for a discounted card for $140 per year.
Low-income residents
Ride Transit Program — Edmonton has developed a program for low-income residents called Ride Transit. This program offers three levels of subsidies depending on your income. The fare can range from $35 to $51 per month, depending on your income and choice of level. The program requires an application and income verification, but allows low-income people to use public transportation at a reasonable price.
The PATH (Providing Accessible Transit Here) program — for people who live without housing, Edmonton provides free, pre-loaded Arc cards so they can access public transit and make essential trips to health care facilities, shelters, and other services.
ETS @ Work Program
If your employer partners with ETS, you may be eligible for up to 24% off Arc adult fares through the ETS @ Work program. This program allows employers to offer their employees discounted public transit fares as part of their benefits package. If you are interested in finding out if your employer participates, talk to your human resources department.
Planned expansion: open payment system
Edmonton is moving forward with the development of the Arc system. An open payment system is planned to launch in 2026, which will allow you to tap your credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay directly on the validators without the need to purchase an Arc card. This system will be extremely convenient for tourists and people who do not have an Arc card, as they can simply tap their smartphone or credit card to pay for their fare.
The city is already testing this system to ensure that it is safe, secure, and reliable before its public launch. Once the system is ready, it will make Edmonton one of the most flexible cities in Canada in terms of public transportation payment methods.
Recommendations for Newcomers
For newcomers to Canada and Ukrainians considering living in Edmonton, understanding how to purchase a ticket and pay for public transportation is critical to successfully adapting to the city. Here are some practical recommendations:
Purchase an Arc card as soon as possible — if you know you will be using public transportation regularly, purchase an Arc card as soon as possible. Even if you have to wait a few days for delivery, it only costs $6, and the fare is 50 cents cheaper than paying with cash. After your eighth trip, you will have already saved more than the cost of the card itself.
Register your card — Once you receive your Arc card, register it online at myarc.ca. Registration gives you access to an online dashboard where you can view your trip history, receive balance alerts, and easily add money.
Load money online — if you're digitally savvy, add money online. It's the fastest way, and the money is added instantly. Set up automatic reloading if your balance falls below a certain amount, so you don't have to worry about reloading.
Practice tapping your card — Before using your Arc card on the bus or LRT for the first time, ask someone who already uses the card to show you how to tap the validator correctly. It's a small gesture, but knowing the right technique will prevent unnecessary problems on your first trip.
Find cheap locations — if cash is more convenient for you, find places where you can purchase an Arc card or tap with cash. Over time, you will get used to the digital system and can switch to Arc.
Ask the community — Edmonton has an active Ukrainian community, especially in Facebook groups. Don't hesitate to ask other Ukrainians about their experiences with purchasing tickets and paying for public transportation. The community is often willing to help newcomers.
Conclusions
Purchasing public transportation tickets in Edmonton is a simple and flexible process, specifically designed for people with different needs and preferences. From the innovative Arc card, which offers fare caps and multi-regional options, to traditional cash and paper transfers, the city provides options for everyone. For newcomers, especially Ukrainians, understanding these options allows them to adapt to the city without difficulty and feel confident when using public transportation.
Whether you are a student, commuter, senior, or tourist, Edmonton has a payment system that will work for you. It is recommended to experiment with different payment methods until you find the one that works best for you, and remember that city residents and public transit staff are often willing to help newcomers understand the system. With the ongoing improvement and expansion of the Arc system, Edmonton is preparing to offer even more flexibility in the future, particularly through an open payment system that will be launched in 2026.