On Jan. 1, TransLink’s Compass Card went fully into operation after three years of delays and trial runs. The new public transit electronic payment system replaces paper monthly passes. There are two types of Compass Card passes: Adult, which is blue, and Concession, which is orange. The Compass Card is purchased and loaded with money by the rider either online or at SkyTrain, SeaBus or West Coast Express stations. The rider needs to tap out at the start and end of their journey, as failure to do so will result in their card being charged the maximum amount.
In its first two weeks of use, what’s the public’s verdict? The Vancouver Courier spoke to transit users at the Broadway-City Hall Canada Line station Monday morning to find out.
Jane Wolsak, artist: “It is better than the old system.”
Mary Matheston, retired: “It’s pretty easy, it’s easy to get. I am pleasantly surprised. The only thing I have to remember is to tap out on the SkyTrain and bus — I had to go back one day. It makes more sense than the old system.”
Michael Olson: “I have to tap in and out, but other than that it’s OK because I forget to tap in and out a lot.”
Fred Bass, former city councillor: “It’s useful. The only problem I have had with it is that I went to the airport and I thought I might avoid the extra fee by using a fare saver ticket and it turns out that I’ve wasted a turnstile.”
Shawn Russell, grocer: “One thing that I’m discovering is that I can’t go ride back and forth on one fare, and from my understanding, you can’t do that on the Compass Card. It is a little discouraging.”
Caitlin Boudreau, registered dietitian: “To be honest, I don’t use it. I don’t know much about it and I’m actually really confused about it. It suddenly appeared and I wasn’t sure what it did and what the difference is between it and the old system.”
Pattie Powell, choir director: “I take transit regularly but I have used the old system so long that I haven’t really paid attention to the new system. I haven’t done my research to actually know if I like the new system more.”
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