TransLink announced Monday it will be asking the public for input on whether transit fares should be based on distance travelled rather than the current system based on fare zones.
The request for feedback mark the third phase of the Transit Fare Review, which launched in spring of last year. TransLink said in the first two phases, nearly two-thirds of respondents said they would prefer a system that prices fares more closely to distance travelled.
The transportation authority is exploring two options of what this system could look like.
- Option 1: fares are priced by kilometre on rapid transit with a flat fare on buses
- Option 2: fares are priced by kilometre across the entire transit system
TransLink is also looking for input on fares that would benefit frequent users, such as a pre-paid pass or a pay-as-you-go fare cap.
“Public input is a core component of the Transit Fare Review,” said Geoff Cross, TransLink vice president of policy and planning in a release.
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“In Phases 1 and 2, we heard from over 40,000 people and we’ve used that input to shape the options we are considering in Phase 3. We want to know how customers feel about the options so we can respond with a transit fare structure that better meets the public’s needs. Your feedback matters, so please take the time to fill out the Phase 3 survey.”
A university professor who lectures future city planners about transportation isn’t sold on TransLink’s fare proposal.
SFU’s Gordon Price says there are questions about how fair the proposed fares would be.
He says people who live outside of Vancouver because of the real estate market will have to pay more for transit compared to those who can afford to live in the city.
“And for those like me, who may only go a few blocks. I live in the West End, go downtown and literally only going 10-12 blocks. I should probably be paying more because after all, it’s the total transit system that makes a region work.”
Customers can provide feedback until Dec. 8.
With files from CKNW’s Kyle Benning