Get ready for Arc; regional fare payment system welcomes more riders

November 15, 2022

A more convenient and flexible way to pay for and take transit is coming to the City of Spruce Grove and its regional transit partners. Arc is an electronic fare payment system that makes paying for and riding transit easier and more convenient.

Transit agencies in Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Strathcona County, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Beaumont and Edmonton are all onboard with the Arc system, which uses a tap-on, tap-off card to track rides and calculate fares. Arc contributes to a strong, integrated regional transit service that provides transit riders a more modern, reliable, and seamless way to move around throughout the Edmonton region. Arc is ready to welcome Standard Adult riders on November 21.

Arc enables riders to pay for transit when and how they use it. With Arc, riders can:

  • Conveniently tap on and off buses without needing to carry exact change or paper tickets and passes. Arc can also be used on the LRT in Edmonton.
  • Sign up, check their balance and add money to their Arc accounts anytime, anywhere, including online, by phone or at the Border Paving Athletic Centre.
  • Load as little as $4 - or as much as needed - to their Arc accounts.
  • Pay for transit using credit and debit.
  • Avoid paying upfront for a monthly pass, while also experiencing the best fare possible through regional price caps. Price capping ensures that once riders reach a daily or monthly maximum amount, they can use transit for the rest of the day or month for free.

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. Arc will roll out to other fare groups in 2023.

Starting November 21 and until supplies last, complimentary Arc cards will be handed out at Spruce Grove City Hall, the Border Paving Athletic Centre and on local on-demand buses. Arc cards will also be available to purchase through Arc fare vending machines, online at myArc.ca and by phone at 1-888-302-0001.