Compass card
LocationLower Mainland
Launched
  • September 2013 (beta)[1]
  • August 2015 (public)[2]
Technology
OperatorCubic Transportation Systems[3]
ManagerTransLink
CurrencyCAD ($5 minimum, $175 maximum load)
Stored-valuePay as you go
Auto rechargeAutoload (registration required)
Validity
Retailed
Variants
Websitecompasscard.ca

The Compass card is a contactless smart card automated fare collection system used primarily for public transit in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Compass card readers were first implemented as a beta in September 2013.[1] Due to delays, full implementation to the general public began in August 2015.[5][2] The system is operated by Cubic Transportation Systems and is managed by TransLink, the transportation authority for the region.[3]

Compass cards and tickets have been required for all trips taken by SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express since April 8, 2016.[6] By June 2016, TransLink reported that more than 915,000 customers had switched to using Compass, which included 95% of customers who could have used other fare media such as cash or paper-based FareSaver tickets.[7]

Riders are able to purchase Compass cards and add fare value online, by phone, or at Compass vending machines located at SeaBus terminals, SkyTrain stations, and West Coast Express stations. Compass vending machines are also available at 18 participating London Drugs retail store locations.[8][4]

Overview

Orange Compass cards are used to pay concession fares.
Compass vending machines (CVM) located at King George station
Compass fare gates on the platform level at New Westminster station
Compass card reader located on Spruce Street at Sapperton station

Users start by obtaining a Compass card, which requires a $6 refundable deposit, from one of the Compass vending machines located at SkyTrain, SeaBus, or West Coast Express stations, then add value to the card online, by phone, or directly at the vending machines.[9] Compass cards are also available for purchase online, at London Drugs retail locations, and at various convenience stores.[4]

A card's stored value is available by submitting the Compass card number at the Compass website. These pages are not adapted to mobile device access and are not linked from the TransLink website. The Compass card number is not machine readable and must be submitted manually. If the user logs in, a history of usage and stored value can be viewed.

Once users obtain a Compass card with an adequate pass or stored value amount, they can tap in to enter a bus or transit station. The SkyTrain, West Coast Express, and SeaBus requires users to tap out. Tapping out is not required when alighting from buses. 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. Users are not required to tap out on a bus.
  • SkyTrain and SeaBus: riders tap fare gates located at each entry and exit point of the station.
  • West Coast Express: riders tap a free-standing validation machine located at each entry and exit point of the station.

When a rider starts their trip by tapping in at SkyTrain or SeaBus, the system will automatically reserve 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 three-zone fare even if only travelling one or two zones. If the trip is started from a bus, the system will only deduct fare for one-zone.

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.

TransLink estimated that 80,000 users were using the system by the end of January 2014.[10] As of June 2016, Compass cards had been tapped on the system more than 371 million times, at a rate of more than 1.5 million every weekday. TransLink recorded a ridership increase of 1.8 percent and 3.2 percent in increased fare revenues in 2015, according to its 2015 annual report.[7]

Fares

Transit riders will have the option of paying for fares by Compass card or cash, but the Compass card offers lower fares. A rider who makes a cash payment at a Compass vending machine receives a paper-based Compass Ticket which is good for transfers within the 90-minute transfer period (180 minutes for West Coast Express).

Nearly half of TransLink's revenues come from fares. TransLink uses a three-zone fare system in the region for SkyTrain, Canada Line, West Coast Express and SeaBus service, with single adult fares ranging from $2.85 to $5.60 on weekdays.[11] All fares on buses across the region are set at the one zone rate of $2.85, a switch TransLink made during the roll out of the Compass contactless smart card payment system.

Users purchase a Compass card 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 value on the card must be replenished above $6 before the next trip or they will not be able to tap in.

Stored value

The following tables illustrates single trip fares during peak and off-peak hours for bus, SeaBus, and SkyTrain riders.[12]

SeaBus and SkyTrain (weekdays from start of service until 6:30pm) Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 YVR AddFare
Adult $2.55 $3.75 $4.80 +$5.00
Concession $2.10 $3.10 $4.25 +$5.00
Buses (all day); SeaBus and SkyTrain (weekdays after 6:30pm,
weekends, and holidays)		 All zones YVR AddFare
Adult $2.55 +$5.00
Concession $2.10 +$5.00

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.[13]

Other passes

DayPasses, U-Passes, and one-, two-, or three-zone monthly passes can be loaded directly onto the Compass card, with the option to renew automatically 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. Passes are used prior to Stored Value being used.

History

SkyTrain and SeaBus were barrier-free at their inception. BC Transit, and later TransLink, took the position that the barrier-free proof of payment system was more effective than having fare gates or turnstiles. In the early 2000s, they estimated a five percent fare evasion rate on SkyTrain, or approximately $2 million or less per year. Fare checks and fines issued inside Fare Paid Zones kept the rates at that level. Since the staff conducting the checks – SkyTrain attendants and transit police – would still be required even with physical fare barriers, maintaining a barrier fare system would be more costly than the barrier-free option.[14]

In late 2007, the provincial Minister of Transportation, Kevin Falcon, announced interest in the installation of an access-controlled fare system.[15]

In March 2008, Ken Dobell, a lobbyist for Cubic Corporation, started talks with Minister Falcon with the intention of selling technology to TransLink. Dobell, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell's former deputy minister, had just been found guilty of breaching the Lobbyists Registration Act.[16]

In April 2009, the Office of the Premier, the Government of Canada, and TransLink announced the implementation of fare gates and smart cards.[17]

In 2010, TransLink held a contest to decide the name of the smart card system. The contest received 56,000 entries with 14,000 unique names.[18] The four finalists from the public contest were Otter, Umbrella, Compass, and George (named after George Vancouver). In January 2011, TransLink ran an online poll where participants could vote between the names Compass, TPass, and Starfish, with the latter two being introduced by TransLink. Compass was announced as the winner on March 31, 2011.[19][20]

In September 2013, the Compass card system underwent a 3-week beta test phase to evaluate its functionality and user-friendliness.[21] Selected beta testers received a Compass card loaded with $100 that could be tapped in and out, but these were not considered a valid payment of one's fare. As a result, testers were required to carry an additional valid FareSaver ticket.[22]

The Compass Card system was launched in August 2015 as part of an initial transition phase.[2] During this transition phase, users could still purchase and use FareSaver tickets, with fare gates at SeaBus and SkyTrain stations remaining opened. Initially, users were required to tap their card upon exiting a bus to track the number of fare zones travelled. However, in October 2015, buses were designated as a single fare zone, eliminating the need for a tap-out system on buses—a change that, while initially temporary, became permanent.[23]

In late October 2015, cards became available from Compass vending machines at London Drugs stores.[8] The transition phase ended on April 4, 2016, with fare gates closing and Compass cards being required to enter Seabus and SkyTrain stations.[6]

In August 2022, TransLink announced they were working on allowing Compass cards to be stored in digital wallets; however, they noted the feature could take years to implement.[24]

Card variants

Variants Design Fare type Availability Notes
AdultCardplusCompasslogoAdult fareAvailable at any Compass vending machine
ConcessionCompassConcessionConcession fare

Cannot be bought at SkyTrain or SeaBus stations[4]
TicketCanadian TransLink Compass Ticket CardAdult fareAvailable at any Compass vending machineDespite being paper-based, they are not recyclable due to the smartcard circuitry laminate between the paper.[25]
Grey with orange textConcession fare
GradPassUnlimited Travel (1 day)Given to secondary school students during their graduation[26]
Personalized program passesVaries
  • BC Bus Pass Program clients
  • Access Transit/HandyDART card[27]
  • Burkeville residents (exempt from the YVR AddFare for SkyTrain stations on Sea Island)[28]
 Features the name of the cardholder
RFID Compass cardAdult FareCustomers who would normally require assistance to tap their card.Uses an RFID signal to automatically open an accessible fare gate[29]
CNIB ID Compass cardWhiteUnlimited travelDistributed by CNIB to Metro Vancouver residents who are legally blind.[30]
Contractor access cardYellowNoneContractors who require access to fare paid zones. Cannot be used for riding TransLink services[31]
Employee Compass cardCardplusCompasslogoUnlimited travelTransLink employees and 2 members of their immediate family.[32]
Compass wristbandCardplusCompasslogoAdult fareInitially limited to 1000 adult and 1000 concession wristbands; they sold out in two hours.[33][34] A batch of 10,000 wristbands arrived in February 2019.[35]Rolled out on December 3, 2018. These wristbands function the same as Compass cards.[36]
Concession fare
Black[36]Unlimited travelTransLink employees and 2 members of their immediate family.
Compass MiniAdult fareThere were 5000 adult and 2500 concession Mini cards available when they were first released.[37] The cards were restocked in 2020.[38]A smaller version of the Compass card that fits on a keyring, unveiled in December 2019
OrangeConcession fare
Evergreen ExtensionGreen[39]Adult fare2016 limited editionCommemorates the opening of the Evergreen Extension[40][39]
Canada 150White with Canada 150 emblem[41]Adult fare2017 limited edition. 20,000 cards were released.Commemorates the 150th anniversary of Canada[42]
2018 Remembrance DayDark blue with poppy illustration[43]Adult fare2018 limited editionRemembrance Day card honouring Canadian veterans and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I[44]
Photo of poppy field at sunset[43]Concession fare
Shared mobility Compass cardWhite[45]Adult fareProvided to approximately 200 employees of select Vancouver-based employers2019 pilot program featuring a co-branded card that can be used with TransLink, Modo, Evo, and Mobi services[45][46]
Be Kind, Be Calm, Be SafeAdult fare2020 limited editionVertical design featuring the quote "Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe", an often-recited mantra of provincial health officer Bonnie Henry during the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia[47]
Compass Mini-TrainAdult fare2022 limited edition, 3000 adult and 2000 concession products were released.Released in December 2022, shaped like a SkyTrain that lights up when tapped on a Compass reader[48]
Concession fare
Compass Mini-TrolleyAdult fare4000 adult and 1000 concession products were released.Released on August 16, 2023. It is a miniature shaped like a trolley bus and commemorates 75 years of trolley bus service in Metro Vancouver.[49]
Concession fare
DC Super Hero Compass cardAdult Fare1000 cards of each superhero were released.Sold on June 16, 2023 as part of a bundle that included a matching poster, a DC x Translink lanyard, and a protective card holder[50][51]

Issues and controversies

Out-of-order Compass vending machine
Two-year-old Compass vending machine with both not-yet-in-service sticker and out-of-order sticker

Accessibility

Even on buses, users with physical handicaps may have difficulty tapping their card; this is even more apparent when they are faced with fare gates, which can completely prevent their access (bus drivers can waive the fare should they choose). The temporary solution was either having transit staff on hand to assist riders with difficulties, or keeping at least one fare gate per station open when staff was not present,[52][53] but TransLink closed all fare gates on July 25, 2016, and required those with disabilities which prevent them from using fare gates to contact TransLink personnel for assistance.[54] In January 2018, TransLink launched its Universal Fare Gate Access Program. Participants in the program are provided an RFID card that automatically opens the fare gate when the card comes in range and closes the gate once the customer passes through.[55][56]

Transfers from buses

Bus drivers are still required to issue paper transfers for cash fares, which are incompatible with the Compass system, requiring passengers to purchase additional Compass Tickets in order to transfer to SkyTrain or SeaBus.[57] TransLink claimed it would cost an additional $25 million to provide fare box upgrades on buses enabling them to dispense and accept Compass Tickets.[58]

In the original full tap-in/tap-out design, a multi-zone bus trip could be completed for a single zone fare by tapping out within the first zone of travel but remaining on the bus. This fault was not publicly acknowledged by the administration until system testing in September 2013.[59] Regardless of the loophole, Transit police or designated transit security fare enforcement officers may issue a $173 fine if they catch riders without adequate fare in a Fare Paid Zone.[60] Furthermore, the tapping out process on buses was reported to be slow, and failure to record a passenger's tapping out may have resulted in the passenger being charged for travelling through three zones when in fact they only travelled through one or two zones.[61]

On October 5, 2015, all bus travel throughout TransLink's system became 1-zone travel and bus passengers are neither required nor expected to tap out.

Delay in deployment and cost overrun

Despite a planned roll out in 2013, the full implementation of the system continues to be delayed by ongoing problems related to the bus tapping; this has been a serious setback for TransLink as the entire system had been supposed to be operational by 2013. The time frame announcement was pushed to late 2014, before TransLink changed its Compass Timeline website in late 2014 to remove statements promising a full Compass roll-out in late 2014, only stating that post-secondary students will receive cards in the summer of 2015, replacing the U-Pass BC, with full deployment not re-announced until September 2015.[62]

In addition, TransLink confirmed in October 2013 that the cost overrun for the Compass card system had reached $23 million due to delay related inflation and unanticipated scope creep. The Compass card system had been budgeted at $171 million, but had risen to $194 million.[63]

References

  1. 1 2 "TransLink Compass Cards: 8 things to know as testing winds down". Global News. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 "Compass Tickets—Coming Soon to a SkyTrain Station Near You!". Buzzer Blog. TransLink. August 26, 2015. Archived from the original on August 27, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Official Compass Card FAQ". TransLink. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Where to Buy Compass Cards and Passes". TransLink. TransLink. 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  5. ↑ Jeff, Nagel (November 28, 2013). "Compass card rollout delayed for most transit riders". Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Fare gates are closing today!". Buzzer Blog. TransLink. April 4, 2016. Archived from the original on April 5, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  7. 1 2 "TransLink ridership, revenues increase due to Compass Cards". Archived from the original on June 26, 2016.
  8. 1 2 "Compass Vending". londondrugs.com. London Drugs. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  9. ↑ Phillip Jang (January 26, 2016). "How to ride Vancouver public transit with a Compass card". Times Colonist. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Full TransLink's Compass Card roll out not until late 2014". Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
  11. ↑ "TransLink launches first fare review in 30 years". Archived from the original on June 19, 2016.
  12. ↑ "TransLink fares set to increase on Canada Day 2023". Daily Hive. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  13. ↑ "What's the minimum amount of Stored Value required to start a journey?". compasscard.ca. Retrieved September 2, 2022. When you use Stored Value on buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, or HandyDART, Compass allows you to complete a single journey with as little as $0.01 on your card by giving you a negative card balance. For West Coast Express customers, the minimum Stored Value amount is $4.50 due to fare structures and related considerations.
  14. ↑ "TransLink Cracks Down on SkyTrain Fare Evasion". translink.ca. Archived from the original on July 3, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Compass Card program delayed again by TransLink". cbc.ca. Archived from the original on November 4, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  16. ↑ "Ken Dobell gets absolute discharge". canada.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Canada, B.C., TransLink Invest in Transit Security". Government of BC. April 9, 2009. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  18. ↑ Jhenifer Pabillano (March 31, 2011). "Compass: the winning name of TransLink's electronic fare card". Retrieved November 7, 2023. scottclayton: No no — there were 72 submissions of the name "Compass"! There were 56,000 contest entries in total, and 14,000 unique names. Sorry if I confused you!
  19. ↑ Jhenifer Pabillano (March 31, 2011). "Congrats to Oleksiy Gayda: winner of our fare card naming contest!". The Buzzer. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  20. ↑ Jeff Nagel (March 31, 2011). "Compass voted in as name of transit smart card". The Abbotsford News. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Compass Beta testing starts Monday!". The Buzzer. September 6, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  22. ↑ Jordan Yerman (September 11, 2013). "Compass card beta testing: Vancouver learns how to tap". The Vancouver Observer. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  23. ↑ Andrew Weichel. "TransLink moving to single-zone fare system for all buses". CTV News Vancouver.
  24. ↑ "Should Compass Cards be connected to digital wallets? Hundreds sign petition to TransLink". ctvnews. August 31, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  25. ↑ "TransLink says Compass paper tickets are not recyclable | Metro News". Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  26. ↑ Chung, Sadie (May 12, 2022). "Class of 2022, pick up your Compass GradPass!". TransLink. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  27. ↑ "ask Compass". Archived from the original on September 30, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Transferring and AddFare". TransLink. TransLink. 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Accessing Public Transit". TransLink. TransLink. 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  30. ↑ "CNIB ID Compass Card". TransLink. TransLink. 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Compass Card Terms and Conditions of Use" (PDF). TransLink. TransLink. September 23, 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Careers". TransLink. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  33. ↑ "TransLink Compass wristbands sell out, next batch to arrive in February".
  34. ↑ "Massive lineups for Compass Card wristbands as they sell out within two hours".
  35. ↑ "More Adult Compass Wristbands Available Now". Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  36. 1 2 Jon Woodward (November 28, 2018). "TransLink rolling out wearable Compass Card bracelets". CTV News Vancouver. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  37. ↑ "Long lines for TransLink's keychain-sized 'Compass Mini'; bc.ctvnews.ca". December 6, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  38. ↑ Plana, Vincent (February 6, 2020). "TransLink announces restock of popular "Compass Mini"". Daily Hive. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  39. 1 2 Kenneth Chan (December 5, 2016). "TransLink releases special edition Compass Card to celebrate SkyTrain's Evergreen Extension". Daily Hive. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  40. ↑ @TransLink (December 3, 2016). "@fusionrockradio @h_escaravage There are a limited amount of commemorative Compass Cards, but they will be available until they run out!^kc" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  41. ↑ "Limited edition Canada 150 Compass Cards are fetching a steep price online". Daily Hive. July 4, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Celebrate Canada's big birthday with a commemorative #Canada150 Compass Card!". The Buzzer blog. June 22, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  43. 1 2 "TransLink to honour veterans with limited edition Compass Cards". CBC News. November 5, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  44. ↑ "The Buzzer Blog - #CanadaRemembers – honouring veterans with commemorative Compass Cards". Archived from the original on November 3, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  45. 1 2 "Compass Card taps into new modes of transport". The Buzzer blog. TransLink. October 24, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Compass card can access car-share, bike-share vehicles in new pilot program". CBC News. October 25, 2019. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  47. ↑ TransLink selling limited number of Bonnie Henry-inspired Compass Cards
  48. ↑ "TransLink launches Compass Mini-Train". TransLink. December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  49. ↑ Holliday, Ian (August 15, 2023). "TransLink marking 75 years of trolley buses with limited-edition Compass keychain". CTV News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  50. ↑ Simon Little (June 15, 2023). "TransLink to sell limited edition DC superhero Compass cards on Friday". Global News. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Here's how to get a limited-edition DC Super Hero Compass Card". The Buzzer blog. TransLink. June 15, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  52. ↑ "TransLink keeping Compass Card gates open for paralyzed users | Globalnews.ca".
  53. ↑ Bailey, Ian (April 14, 2016). "TransLink sets deadline for making fare gates accessible". The Globe and Mail.
  54. ↑ "TransLink to close accessible fare gates Monday, July 25". CBC News.
  55. ↑ Tung, Allen (January 23, 2018). "Universal Fare Gate Access Program launches". The Buzzer blog. TransLink. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  56. ↑ Chan, Kenneth (January 23, 2018). "TransLink fare gates now allow touchless access for people with disabilities". DailyHive. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  57. ↑ Nagel, Jeff (August 14, 2013). "Bus-to-SkyTrain transfers costly without smart card". Surrey Leader. Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  58. ↑ "Skytrain will not accept bus transfers with new TransLink Compass Card". Vancity Buzz. August 14, 2013. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  59. ↑ "TransLink testers find Compass Card fare evasion loophole". CBC News.
  60. ↑ "New penalties for fare evasion: here's what you need to know". buzzer.translink.ca. August 31, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  61. ↑ Sinoski, Kelly (October 29, 2014). "TransLink's Compass Card system struggles with another glitch". The Vancouver Sun. Postmedia Network Inc. Archived from the original on February 8, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  62. ↑ "Compass Timeline". translink.ca. TransLink. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  63. ↑ "Compass Card upgrade costing extra $23 million: TransLink". CTV News. October 10, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
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