Why Arc?
- Arc is account-based. Lose your card? No problem, your funds are backed up if you register your card.
- Arc is easy. Just tap on and tap off while travelling on a bus or LRT. No more loose change or paper transfers. With Arc, only pay for transit when and how you use it.
- The "Pay-As-You-Go" (PAYG) option allows you to load as little as $4 or as much as $500!
- Fare caps ensure you never pay more than the maximum you would pay for a day or month. Once you reach your fare cap, ride for the rest of the day or month for free!
- Arc is convenient. Add your funds online, at vending machines, over the phone or in person.
When will Arc be Available?
Arc is now available for seniors (ages 65+) who purchase monthly transit passes or single-use tickets.
While seniors can get an Arc card and set up their account at their convenience, we encourage transit riders who purchase monthly transit passes to wait until the first of the month to use their Arc card so they can benefit from the senior monthly fare cap.
Starting May 1, all ETS senior annual pass holders, including riders who receive the Free ($0), Low-income ($139) and Regular ($385) ETS Annual Pass, will be required to use Arc on transit. Seniors who currently participate in ETS senior annual pass programs will receive additional communication from ETS about the transition to Arc.
The Arc Information Guide for Seniors provides detailed information about Arc for senior transit riders. Seniors, their family members and caregivers are encouraged to download and save this document on their computers or print the document and use it as needed to help transition to Arc.
Arc is currently available for:
- Standard Adult
- Seniors
- Youth, Young Adults and Students
- U-Pass riders
Edmonton and Elk Island Catholic school boards are rolling out Arc to their students during the school year. If you are a student taking part in a school transit program, check with your school or school board transportation office for more information.
Arc will soon be available for riders who are eligible for low-income passes. Keep an eye on this page for updates!
Update to Terms and Conditions
We've updated the Arc Terms and Conditions on July 5, 2023. The updated Terms reflect a change to the minimum balance required on your Arc account from $2 to $0.99 and an increase in negative balance of up to $-4.60 from $-4.25 if your current trip exceeds the minimum balance. The updated Terms on the website will supersede the terms printed on Arc cards before July 5, 2023. To read the updated Terms and Conditions, click here.