TransLink rolled out its one zone bus fare across Metro Vancouver today.
What are the five things you need to know about the Compass Card and the one bus fare?
Zones
Zones on buses and HandyDART are no more. All buses and HandyDART are now considered to be one zone, regardless of the distance travelled. However, zones remain for the SkyTrain and SeaBus and the fare model for the West Coast Express remains the same. Evenings (after 6:30 p.m.), weekends and holidays will still be a one zone fare.
Price
The cost of a one zone fare remains the same – $2.75 for adults and $1.75 for concessions. Some users we spoke to say they will be saving a lot of money only having to buy a one zone pass, rather than a two or three zone (travelling on buses only).
Tap in / Tap out
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With the Compass Card, users will not need to tap in and tap out on the bus – tap in only. However, once the Compass Card system is fulling operational, users on the SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express will need to tap out in order to be charged correctly. If you forget to tap out you will be charged the maximum fare, which could be up to three zones.
Transfers
The transfer window of 90 minutes remains in effect. Once all Compass fare gates are closed, a reminder that tickets purchased on a bus will not be valid for transfer to the SkyTrain or SeaBus. Customers who pay cash will need to purchase another fare if transferring from the bus to the SeaBus. Everyone is encouraged to buy a Compass Card or a Compass Ticket, which is good for a one-time use.
Tax credits
If you are eligible for transit tax credits, you will need to keep your receipt for proof of purchase. If you buy a monthly pass online, you will be emailed a receipt. If you buy one at the machine, you will need to hang on to your printed receipt. You can also register your card online and view five months of transaction history.
Timeline
TransLink says by November, Compass Cards will be available in all vending machines, at retail locations, online, by phone or at the Compass Customer Service Centre at Stadium-Chinatown Station.
FareSavers will be phased out when people have had time to transition to Compass. TransLink says it will provide lots of notice.
The date has not been announced for the closure of the fare gates, but again, TransLink says it will provide lots of notice to users.
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