Compass Card (TransLink)
Compass Card (Compass), is an electronic payment system for public transit in Metro Vancouver run by TransLink transportation authority. TransLink estimates that 80,000 riders using the system by the end of January 2014 with the full roll out in late 2014.[1]
TransLink contracts out installation, maintenance, and daily operation of the system to San Diego based Cubic Transportation Systems.[2]
Compass uses a Smart Card based payment system, requiring riders to "tap in" when entering a transit mode, and "tap out" when exiting. Riders pre-purchase a Compass card and fare value online, by phone, or at vending machines located at SeaBus terminals, West Coast Express stations, and SkyTrain stations. Vending machines will also be available at some London Drugs retail store locations. In the future, NFC equipped mobile phones may also be supported.
Compass cards comes in 6 different varieties:[3]
- Blue - Adult
- Orange - Concession (Kids and Seniors)
- Yellow - Contractors
- White - CNIB
- Red - BC Bus Pass (Government subsidized pass for low-income senior or disability assistance recipients)
- White (Transfer Tickets) - For those without a compass card but need access on the public transit system
System Usage
Compass users start by obtaining a Compass card from one of the vending machines located at SkyTrain and SeaBus terminals, then add value to the card online, by phone, or directly at the vending machines. Once user have obtained a Compass card with adequate stored value, they tap in to enter a bus or transit station and tap out as they leave. Tapping involves lightly touching the Compass card flat against a card reader.
Depending on the type of transit mode and vehicle the tap process differs slightly:
- Bus: riders tap card readers located at each bus door.
- SkyTrain and SeaBus: riders tap fare gates located at each entry and exit point of the station.
- West Coast Express: riders tap a validation machine located at each entry and exit point of the station.
When a rider starts their trip by tapping in, the system automatically reserves enough fare for three zones. Tapping out at the end of a trip ensures that riders are only charged the fare for the distance (in zones) traveled. Failing to tap out at the end of the trip may result in a rider being charged a full 3-zone fare even if only traveling one or two zones.
As riders transfer between transit modes or vehicles, such as when exiting a bus and entering a SkyTrain station, they must tap out and then tap back in. The system automatically tracks transfers, ensuring riders are only charged once provided they are within the 90 minute transfer period (180 minutes for West Coast Express) and within the same transit zone.
Transit Fares
Transit riders have the option of paying for fares by Compass card or cash, but the Compass card offers lower fares. Riders who make cash payments at Compass vending machines receive an electronic ticket which are good for transfers within the 90 minute transfer period (180 minutes for West Coast Express). However, riders who make cash payments on a bus receive a paper ticket that only allows transfers between buses.
Users initially purchase a Compass cards for a $6 (refundable) deposit, then load it with stored value. The $6 deposit can be used temporarily if a rider forgets to maintain enough stored value, but the card must be replenished to a positive balance before the next trip or they will not be able to tap in.
Single Fares
The following table illustrates anticipated single use fares for standard (non-concession) riders.[4]
| Zones | Compass Card | Cash Fare |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.35 | $2.75 |
| 2 | $3.50 | $4.00 |
| 3 | $4.70 | $5.50 |
Users must maintain a minimum of $0.01 value on the card to tap into buses, Skytrain, or SeaBus, and a minimum of $4.50 to tap into West Coast Express.
Monthly Passes
One, two, or three zone monthly passes can be loaded directly onto the Compass Card, with the option to automatically renew every month. Users who register online benefit from the auto renewal and balance protection, which protects the stored value in the event of card loss or theft.
Issues & Controversy
Cost Overrun
TransLink confirmed in October 2013 that the cost overrun for the Compass Card system would reach $23 million due to delay related inflation and unanticipated scope creep.
The Compass Card system was originally budgeted at $171 million, but has since risen to $194 million.[5]
Fare Loophole
During system testing in 2013, testers found a loophole that would allow riders to travel two or three zones while paying for a single zone. This is accomplished by tapping out while still within the first zone of travel, then continuing the trip through additional zones. The system assumes the rider completed the trip in the first zone and calculates a single zone fare accordingly.[6]
Regardless of the loophole, Transit Police or Designated Transit Security may issue a fine if they catch riders without adequate fare in a Fare Paid Zone.
References
- ↑ "Full TransLink’s Compass Card roll out not until late 2014". Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ↑ "Official Compass Card FAQ". TransLink.
- ↑ Ask Compass
- ↑ McElroy, Justin. "TransLink Compass Cards: 8 things to know as testing winds down". Global News. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ↑ "Compass Card upgrade costing extra $23 million: TransLink". CTV British Columbia. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ↑ "TransLink testers find Compass Card fare evasion loophole". CBC News.