‘Compass Card system works and works very well’: TransLink’s new CEO

It’s been nearly a month-and-a-half since Kevin Desmond took over as TransLink’s new CEO.

He has been credited with transforming the transit system in Seattle, and many are waiting to see what impact he will have here in Vancouver.

Speaking on Global News Morning today, Desmond says, while TransLink has taken a beating over breakdowns and Compass Card rollout, going forward, he wants to focus on the customer.

“There are 1.1 million people boarding our system every day, with 94 per cent of those people using Compass Card today,” says Desmond. “The Compass Card system works and works very well.”

Last week, Desmond announced TransLink’s revenue has risen by seven per cent since the SkyTrain fare gates closed on April 4, forcing commuters to use the Compass system. If these numbers were to hold out, Desmond said the seven per cent increase in revenue would translate into six to seven million dollars a year.

READ MORE: Transit observers in Seattle have high praise for TransLink’s new CEO

However, TransLink has been criticized for its accessibility of the new fare gates for people with disabilities who are unable to tap in and tap out with their Compass Cards.

In February, the transportation authority said it was going to close all fare gates at SkyTrain and SeaBus stations, including ones that were left open for people with disabilities. That decision was reversed shortly after because of public outrage.

“We need to make sure all of our customers have access,” says Desmond.

He says they plan to go out and talk to people with disabilities individually, but adds the vast majority of their customers are able to negotiate the system successfully.

In the broader scope of things, Desmond says last year’s transit plebiscite, in which Metro Vancouver residents voted against a half per cent tax hike to pay for transit improvements over the next 10 years, showed there are many questions about TransLink.

“I want to make sure the general public, whether they are regular users of transit services or not, feel confident and have trust that we are using their tax dollars wisely,” says Desmond. “At the end of the day, this region is going to be taking another million people between now and 2040. We’ve got to figure out a way to invest in the transportation system, and that means everybody in the region needs to have confidence in a way forward.”

Desmond says he wants to work closely with the mayors of the Metro Vancouver cities, the business community and advocacy groups.

“Our success means the region’s success. If the transportation system begins to crumble and fail, this region won’t be competitive going forward.”