FAQs

 

Please check back for possible updates to the information below as we receive feedback from our riders. 

How does the DiriGo Pass work?

Create and manage your personal DiriGo Pass account online or through the UMO Mobile App. Once you create an account, you can add stored value, make transfers, and monitor your account activity all in one place.

 

Do you have translated information with instructions on how this works?

How can I get my DiriGo Pass smartcard?

You are able to get a DiriGo Pass smartcard and any of our office locations: 

Greater Portland METRO – Elm Street Pulse: Open 7:00am – 7:00pm Monday through Friday
Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach Transit – The Saco Transportation Center: Open 9:00am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday
South Portland Bus Service – South Portland City Hall Finance Department: Open 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday
 
We can also mail a card to your current address! To request this, please fill out our info form. 
 

What is stored value?

When you add money to your account, it becomes stored value. You use this stored value to pay as you ride. You can load a minimum of $5.00 and a maximum of $200 into your account. If you create an account, you can use a debit or credit card to set up an autoload where your account will add more stored value when the balance goes below $5.00.

Will all three transit agencies still accept cash?

Yes, we will still accept cash. You must pay exact fare. However, there will be no paper transfers, so each ride will cost you exact fare. 

*South Portland Bus Service has paper transfers for South Portland routes only. 

Am I eligible for reduced fare?

Yes. Under our fare policy, DiriGo Pass offers reduced fare for seniors (65+); persons with disabilities, veterans and active duty military, youth (ages 6-18), and Medicare cardholders. To pay reduced fare, if you don’t already have a reduced fare card you can apply for reduced fare status by completing an application at the METRO Pulse, the Saco Transportation Center, and South Portland City Hall. Riders eligible for reduced fare may pay with cash, a DiriGo Pass smartard, or DiriGo Pass Mobile App.

Do you have a list of all the fares?

The fare for all local routes on all service providers are $2.00. The BREEZ is $4.00. The ZOOM Express Line, route 50, is $5.00. Reduced fare rate is half of the full fare listed for all routes. When you pay using your DiriGo Pass, you receive a 90 Minute pass to ride all routes. For example, if you scan or tap onto a BREEZ bus, you can ride any Local or Express bus as long as you board within 90 minutes. Cash Riders on METRO and BSOOB Transit must pay per boarding NO TRANSFERS. Transfers for all South Portland Bus Service routes are still available. 

Check below for a full list of fares, including the NEW – DiriGo Ten Ride Pass:

What is Fare Capping?

Fare capping allows for frequent travel and financial flexibility. It provides the benefits of a multi-ride discounted pass without having to pay up-front costs. When you use your DiriGo Pass smartcard or mobile app you can load small amounts of value into your account whenever you want.
 
Riders get credit for every trip they take until they reach a daily or monthly “fare cap.” After reaching the cap all rides are free for the month or day. This “pay as you go” approach improves affordability and equity in the cost of using transit. It allows all riders using the DiriGo Pass smartcard or the mobile app equal access to discounts. Riders pay only for what they use. Click here to learn more about fare capping and what the lights and sounds are like on the bus. 
 
Example on all Local service:
With a DiriGo Pass smartcard or DiriGo Pass Mobile App, you will never spend more $6 per day OR $60 per month as a regular fare rider on Local bus services.
 
Here is a list of our fares: DiriGo Pass Fare Table.

What if I lose my DiriGo Pass smartcard?

If you lose a DiriGo Pass smartcard that is linked to an account, report your lost card by calling Customer Service at 833-272-7270. Provide your username or email address to verify the card is linked to your account. Once verified, we will transfer stored value, any daily or monthly caps, and your account balance will be moved to your new card. If you have not linked your card to an account, there is no way to recover your stored value or fare caps because we cannot verify that you own the card.

How much does it cost to get a DiriGo Pass smartcard?

DiriGo Pass smartcards are available at no cost to riders.

The cost to replace a lost or stolen card is $5.00.

Where can I add stored value to my DiriGo Pass card or Mobile App?

You can add stored value to your DiriGo Pass smartcard account at the METRO Pulse at Elm Street (downtown Portland), Saco Transportation Center, South Portland City Hall and online. 

For both your DiriGo Pass smartcard and the DiriGo Pass Mobile App, all CVS and 7-Eleven locations in the Greater Portland area can also be used to load value onto your account. Please check back for more businesses and locations as we grow our Reload Network

 

What is the DiriGo Ten-Ride Pass?

The Ten-Ride Pass is another way for transit riders in Greater Portland to pay their fare at a discounted rate. Rather than deducting stored value, rides are applied to your account and deducted every time you take a trip.

DiriGo Ten Ride Passes are available only on DiriGo accounts applied to a DiriGo Card or Umo app.

 

 

 

 

How do I use a Ten-Ride Pass?

Ten-Ride Passes are available only on DiriGo accounts applied to a DiriGo Card or Umo app. After they’re purchased, the Ten-Ride Pass works automatically until it is depleted. 

 

 

 

How is the Ten-Ride Pass different from stored value?

Unlike our traditional stored-value system, the Ten-Ride Pass allows for “pass-backs”, or payment for multiple passengers using the same account. Because of this, Ten-Ride Pass trips are not subject to fare capping. 

 

 

 

What types of Ten-Ride Passes are available?

Ten-Ride Passes are available for all fare categories (Local, BREEZ, and BSOOB ZOOM (Route 70). Eligible reduced-fare passengers will have the option to purchase reduced-fare Ten-Ride Passes

 

 

Who should consider using a Ten-Ride Pass?

Infrequent riders, or people traveling as a group and do not want to manage multiple DiriGo accounts, should consider using a Ten-Ride Pass because of the 10% savings per trip and the ease of the “pass-back” system. Frequent users (those who ride more than 3 times per day or 30 times per month) most likely should not use a Ten-Ride Pass because they are likely saving more money using the fare capping system.

 

 

I’m traveling with my family, including kids. Can I use a single Ten-Ride Pass to board everyone in my party?

You can; however, you may be overpaying for your kids. Kids under 6 ride free, but kids aged 6-18 pay half of the full adult fare. It may be worth opening a second DiriGo account for your kids, or paying cash for their trips, to avoid overpaying. Riders using a reduced fare DiriGo Pass can not use the reduced fare pass for those riders traveling with them who do  not qualify for reduced fares. Riders who do not qualify for reduced fare must pay full fare.

Can I buy a Ten-Ride Pass to use for my family while also continuing to use stored value as my primary payment method?

Not unless you use a separate account for the Ten-Ride Pass. The Ten-Ride Pass will automatically supersede any stored value on your account. To avoid this, a second DiriGo card (using a different email address) for the Ten-Ride Pass will help you effectively use both when it suits your needs.

Does the Ten-Ride Pass include free transfers?

Yes the Ten-Ride Pass includes free transfers if used within a 90 minute period from the first use.

Can I continue to go to CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven stores to add value to my DiriGo Pass smartcard?

You can still go to these participating locations to add value to your smartcard. The purchase  will go to stored value and will not be used for a Ten Ride Pass unless the purchase is made online, through the UMO app, or through a participating agency location (Metro, BSOOB Transit, and South Portland Bus).

I have stored value in my UMO account. If I buy a Ten-Ride Pass, how will I select which way to pay for my ride?

The UMO system will automatically use a Ten-Ride Pass before using stored value.

Can I use the mobile app and smartcard at the same time?

No. Your DiriGo Pass account requires you choose which one you prefer. 

Can I pay the fare for more than one person with the same DiriGo Pass?

No, each person must have their own unique DiriGo Pass smartcard or mobile app. 

How will the reader on the bus know the correct fare type?

The DiriGo Pass reader knows whether you are boarding a Local, Express, or ZOOM Express service and deducts the appropriate fare from the stored value in your account, no matter what fare type you are. 

During the Fare Deal Promotion — March 1, – September 30, 2023 — your DiriGo Pass will automatically be charged the discounted price.

What do the different colors on the DiriGo Pass electronic reader mean?

Green = Fare is paid for. You may board.

Yellow = Low balance. You will need to add stored value to your account. You may board. 

Red = No money in your account. You will need to add stored value before you can board. Please contact customer service. 

Have more questions? Please fill out the form below and a representative will get back to you shortly.

Learn more about our transit partners, access route maps and schedules, or find fare and program information by clicking the links below. 

1-833-272-7270