Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue, Justin Blanchfield supports clean buildings, Susan Blanchet is recognized for clean air, Chris Baker chats clean boats, and plenty more. Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 697 words, a three-minute read.

-James, @jimmermatthews

P.S. Have you registered for Victoria Tech Morning Coffee or grabbed your tickets to Jason Fried live in Vancouver yet?

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BC Transit launches Umo in Victoria Regional Transit System

After months (read: years) of anticipation, BC Transit finally unveiled a tap-to-pay feature for Victoria buses last month.

The new electronic fare system known as Umo, pronounced “you-mo”, was implemented on Aug. 23. The system introduces contactless payment methods and new fare products that will improve the transit experience by allowing riders to pick the best options for their lifestyle and travel habits, BC Transit touted.

“I am so excited to take this giant leap to achieve our goal of making BC Transit 'your best transportation solution,’” said Christy Ridout, VP of strategy and public affairs at BC Transit. “We heard our riders when they asked for a new way to pay their fare and we are so pleased to provide them with the innovative Umo solution. With that said, we recognize innovation means changes to habits, and BC Transit is committed to supporting our riders while they make this transition. We promise no rider will be left behind without support from the Umo customer service call centre, upcoming public engagement events, support at bus stops, and our amazing onboard customer service.”

Most riders welcomed it with open arms while some critiques regarding payment methods and schedules have been levied. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you taken Umo for a spin? What did you think? Reply to this email to let us know.

🏙️ Community catchup, powered by VIATEC

LIFT CEO Retreat 2023 | Sept. 20-22

You’re invited to a transformative experience tailored exclusively for CEOs and founders like you. The LIFT Retreat is your sanctuary for learning, reflection, and recharging — a journey designed to empower you with the insights, skills, and connections essential for leading with unparalleled excellence.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🏢 Clean buildings: Justin Blanchfield and Inside Health’s sustainable building strategies were featured by BC Hydro.

🌬️ Clean air: Local cleantech company Origen Air and founder Susan Blanchet were nominated for a 2024 Clean50 award.

🛥️ Clean boats: Chris Baker, the founder of Alberni Yachts, joined the COAST Talks podcast hosted by Jason Goldsworthy, the organization’s executive director, to discuss the mission behind the zero-emission yacht company.

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Just Released: TAP Network’s 2023 Tech Sector Salary and Total Rewards Survey

Focused entirely on the Canadian tech sector, the survey reports on local and national salaries, total compensation, detailed policy data, and more. Learn more here.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Senior Full Stack Developer at Montra Interactive

• Intermediate Full-Stack Developer at Reusables.com

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

📅 Upcoming events

Sept. 27 | Overcome Your Resistance and Embrace Virtual Networking: IWIST and SCWIST have come together to bring you an opportunity to meet women in STEM and brush up on your networking skills.

Sept. 28 | 2023 VIATEC’s annual general meeting of members and call for nominations to the board of directors: The AGM will see the announcement of VIATEC’s newest board members with networking to follow.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

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