ETS and Vix Technology announce full launch of the Arc next-generation account-based fare payment system across bus and light-rail networks in the Edmonton Metro Region.
Vix Technology delivers a unified, rider-first fare system to support growing ridership
Transit services in the Edmonton region, in partnership with Vix Technology, proudly announce the full launch of the Arc next-generation fare payment system across the region’s bus and light-rail networks. This milestone completes a transformative, multi-phase project culminating with the introduction of open payments using credit/debit cards and mobile devices across thousands of validators spanning six municipalities and all major transit modes.
The Arc system, designed, delivered, and integrated by Vix Technology, now serves as Canada’s most comprehensive regional transit fare platform. It enables riders to pay with Arc smartcards or simply tap their debit, credit, smartphone, or smartwatch for instant payment. The system decreases cash usage, while removing barriers to access for all riders. Transit users benefit from fare capping, flexible trip planning, and a user-friendly, multi-operator experience on over 1,000 buses and 29 LRT stations throughout Edmonton, St. Albert, Strathcona County, Spruce Grove, Beaumont and Fort Saskatchewan.
Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager of Edmonton Transit Service said:
“The Arc system makes travel in and around Edmonton as simple as a tap: connecting people to work, play, and essential services. This is an important leap forward for our city as it gives every rider a seamless transit experience made possible by strong regional partnerships and enabled by Vix Technology.”
The full launch also marks the official transition away from monthly paper passes and tickets, making Edmonton among the first in Canada to deploy a truly account-based fare system at a metropolitan scale. Since initial deployment, over 500,000 reloadable Arc cards have been issued.
Photo Credit: City of Edmonton, Edmonton Transit Service
The completion of this project comes at a time of opportunity, as transit ridership continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. For example, ETS ridership growth surpassed previous annual records with over 61.6 million transit trips completed in 2024, an increase of 12% since 2019. Partnering regional systems have also experienced similar growth, including St. Albert with an increase of 9.4%. These increases are driven in part by the convenience of the Arc system and investments in transit infrastructure that make transit more attractive, convenient, and reliable for everyday trips to work, school, and major events—and reflect a renewed confidence in public transit.
Tarik Dinane, Chief Commercial Officer of Vix Technology said:
“Vix Technology is proud to stand alongside the Edmonton region in delivering a truly unified, rider-first fare system. By combining a shared vision with a scalable, open architecture platform, we’ve shown how collaboration can unlock new levels of economic opportunity and urban mobility, creating a foundation that other agencies can build on for years to come.”
About Vix Technology
Vix Technology is the global leader in intelligent transportation systems, automated fare collection, and transit analytics. With customers in 200 cities around the world, Vix embraces the complexities of modern public transit to create best-in-class solutions for transit agencies and operators. Vix is passionate about connecting people and communities, combining an open, collaborative mindset with cutting-edge technology to make public transport more accessible and more cost effective for all.
About Arc
Arc is the Edmonton region’s electronic fare payment system. With just the tap of a card, it allows transit riders to travel seamlessly between six municipalities: Edmonton, Beaumont, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, and Strathcona County. Arc allows you to pay for transit when and how you use it, and is a valid fare on all types of public transit: bus, light rail and paratransit.