It’s been one week since TransLink closed down all compass card fare gates but some people living with disabilities say the new system is not working for them.
Luke Galvani says he feels shut out of the transit system.
He has limited use of his limbs so he’s not able to tap to open the gate or make a phone call to get someone to assist him.
READ MORE: All SkyTrain fare gates closed as disability issue remains
TransLink is working on a long-term solution with proximity sensors to let the gate open automatically, but this won’t be ready until the end of next year.
“It’s great that they have a solution that is 18 months down the road and we all know that will probably be delayed but to me, until that solution is implemented, a gate needs to stay open,” Galvani said.
TransLink said it had reached out to Galvani and that they want to find a better way for him to access until the new sensor system is in place.
READ MORE: TransLink experiences system-wide fare gate failure ahead of Monday’s closure
But Galvani is not impressed.
“Fare evasion isn’t an excuse to lock an entire community out.”
Since gates closed a week ago, TransLink has received 17 requests for station assistance.
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