The dash between the branch number and the institution number is an integral part of the transit number. This format is only valid for paper-type transactions such as checks. For Electronic Fund Transactions (EFT) the current format is a leading zero, the institution number, then the branch number all with no dashes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Routing_transit_number
Routing transit number. An ABA routing transit number (ABA RTN) is a nine digit code, used in the United States, which appears on the bottom of negotiable instruments such as checks to identify the financial institution on which it was drawn.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Routing_transit_number
There are actually two components you'll need when providing routing number information. Your bank routing number is a nine-digit code that's based on the U.S. Bank location where your account was opened. It's the first set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, on the left side. You can also find it in the U.S. Bank routing number chart below.
https://www.usbank.com/bank-accounts/checking-accounts/aba-routing-number.aspx
ABA RTNs are only for use in payment transactions within the United States. They are used on paper check, wire transfers, and ACH transactions. On a paper check, the ABA RTN is usually the middle set of nine numbers printed at the bottom of the check. Domestic transfers that use the ABA RTN will usually be returned to the paying bank.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Routing_transit_number
Refer to your own check for your numbers. Below, you’ll find a listing of Bank of America's check routing, ACH routing, and wire transfer ABA numbers by state. Your financial institution will indicate which number is necessary for your particular transaction. For example, when setting up direct deposit, you will be asked to provide your ACH routing number. In some cases, there are two sets of numbers for a particular state.
https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/manage/faq-direct-deposit.go
However, if you’re curious, there is a fascinating system behind ABA numbers. The ABA number is like an address that tells everybody where to find your account. ABA numbers are also known as routing transit numbers (RTNs). “ABA” is used because the American Bankers Association (ABA) assigns the numbers to banks. The numbers are generally printed on checks using magnetic ink, which allows special machines to read the code more easily.
https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-an-aba-number-and-where-can-i-find-it-315435
An ABA routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies banks in the United Sates. This code helps other banks transfer money to and from your account for transactions like direct deposit and automatic bill payments.
https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-an-aba-number-and-where-can-i-find-it-315435
Branch transit numbers can be found by looking at your cheque encoding (numbers on the bottom of a cheque), as in this diagram. If you don't have a cheque book or you are unable to locate your transit number, please visit our online branch locator. Then simply enter the street or interection, city of postal code OR select a region. Branch locations will be listed down the right-hand side and you can click on Branch Details to view more detailed information such as address, transit number, contact information and business hours.
http://mycusthelp.ca/vancityncc/_cs/AnswerDetail.aspx?sSessionID=&inc=9676&caller=%7e%2fFindAnswers.aspx%3fsSessionid%3d
1 You can also find it in the U.S. Bank routing number chart below.  Your account number (usually 10-12 digits) is specific to your personal account. It's the second set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, just to the right of the bank routing number.
https://www.usbank.com/bank-accounts/checking-accounts/aba-routing-number.aspx
Alternatively you can contact the Member Service Centre by phone at 604-877-7000 or toll-free within North America at 1-888-vancity (826-2489). You can also contact us by secure email from online banking.
http://mycusthelp.ca/vancityncc/_cs/AnswerDetail.aspx?sSessionID=&inc=9676&caller=%7e%2fFindAnswers.aspx%3fsSessionid%3d
what is a transit number
A transit number is a nine digit code, used in the United States to identify the financial institution on which it was drawn. A transit number is a nine digit code, used in the United States, which appears on the bottom of negotiable instruments such as checks to identify the financial institution on which it was drawn.