Western students returning to campus this fall will no longer be using their Western Cards to board WTA buses. As of June 23, 2025, the university has fully transitioned to a digital bus pass system through the Umo Mobility app.
The move comes after Western’s previous contract with the Whatcom Transportation Authority expired and a new agreement required the university to consolidate to a single fare validation system.
“We jointly selected the Umo Mobility app and quarterly benefit codes as the Western bus pass for this upcoming school year,” said Andrea Reiter, associate director of active transportation at Western.
Western had been gradually introducing Umo benefit codes alongside digital Western Cards since the spring quarter of 2024. By making the switch campuswide, Transportation Services aimed to simplify access and reduce environmental impact.
“The plastic in physical Western Cards will last forever, are not recyclable, and eventually become waste,” Reiter said. “The sustainability aspect is one of the primary reasons for Western's shift to digital credentials.”
All currently enrolled students now receive benefit codes through their student accounts on Banner, which they can redeem through the Umo Mobility app. For students who don’t have access to a smartphone or compatible apps, physical Umo cards are still available.
“Transportation Services will provide free cards to students who meet one or more criteria,” Reiter said, citing situations such as outdated phones, international phone compatibility issues, and disability accommodations.
Jade Phan, a current Western student, said she was aware of the Umo app before this quarter and has found it easy to use.
“Digital is nice because I’m always with my phone, so it’s easy to use,” Phan said. “I don’t have to pull my wallet out to retrieve my card.”
But she added that it’s not a perfect system.
“If my phone is dead, or my data is low, I can’t really ride the bus,” Phan said.
Phan said she would prefer the option to use both a physical and digital pass, or for the app to work through Apple Wallet so it doesn’t require mobile data. She also noted that while she personally received enough information about the transition, having both options would help students who don’t have consistent tech access.
“I think having both forms available is very nice,” she said.
Students were first notified about the change via email at the end of spring quarter. More outreach is planned for fall, including flyers, posters and tabling at on-campus events, according to Reiter.
Though the new system may take some getting used to, the university says it’s ultimately about convenience and sustainability.
“For myself, I know I don’t always have my Western Card with me, but I almost always have my phone, making it a more reliable place for both my bus pass and Western Card,” Reiter said.
According to WWU Transportation Services, 85% of students regularly use the bus to get around. The Umo app allows students to access unlimited rides on WTA and Skagit Transit routes using their benefit codes, which are refreshed quarterly.
The app also provides schedule tracking, route information, and contactless validation. For students with accessibility concerns or those who misplace their phones, WTA drivers are trained to allow boarding at their discretion.
According to WWU Transportation Services, the shift to the Umo system is part of a larger effort to streamline outdated infrastructure. The university previously managed multiple fare formats, including swipe cards, tap cards and app codes, which proved inefficient.
“Our IT department has dedicated considerable resources to maintain compatibility with nearly 20-year-old logic,” the website states. “To streamline operations and enhance the user experience, the transition to a single, unified bus pass system through the Umo App aligns with our commitment to embracing technological advancements.”
Farrel Harten (he/him) is a senior at Western Washington University and a News Editor/Reporter for The Front. His reporting focuses on issues affecting international students and campus community affairs. Outside of journalism, he enjoys traveling, playing soccer, and spending time with dogs. For story tips or inquiries, contact him at farrelharten.thefront@gmail.com.
