Compass card (British Columbia)

Compass Card (Compass), is an electronic payment system for public transit in Metro Vancouver run by TransLink transportation authority. TransLink estimates that 80,000 testers were using the system by the end of January 2014, with the full roll out delayed until late 2014 due to technical issues. It is a controversial issue in Vancouver due to the delays, cost over-runs and increased fees for riders. Compass was quietly delayed again in 2014, with no timeline for full roll-out given, except that students will get cards in Summer of 2015.

TransLink contracts out installation, maintenance, and daily operation of the system to San Diego based Cubic Transportation Systems.

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.

System usage

When operational in late 2015, Translink says Compass users will 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 users 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 will automatically reserves enough fare for three zones. Tapping out at the end of a trip will ensure that riders are only charged the fare for the distance (in zones) travelled. 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 travelling 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 will automatically track 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.

Fares

When operational, transit riders will 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 will receive a paper ticket that only allows transfers between buses.

Users will 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.

There are six varieties of cards:

• Blue — Adult
• Orange — Concession (children 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

Single

The following table illustrates anticipated single use fares for standard (non-concession) riders.

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 are planned to 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 and controversies

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.

During system testing in September 2013, testers found a loophole that would allow riders to travel two or three zones while paying for a single zone. Regardless of the loophole, Transit Police or Designated Coast Mountain Bus Company Security may issue a fine if they catch riders without adequate fare in a Fare Paid Zone.

Translink changed their Compass Timeline website in late 2014 to remove statements promising a full compass roll-out in late 2014. The new page says only that post-secondary students will receive cards in the Summer of 2015, with full deployment some time later.

External links

• Official Compass Card Website