How much will fares cost on TransLink's Compass card?

Dec 19 2017, 4:22 pm

TransLink has enlisted over 10,000 commuters to beta test the new smart card payment system, the Compass, in preparation for its system-wide launch in early 2014.

It was announced two months ago that the paper FareSaver tickets will be phased out beginning on January 1, 2014. The tickets will continue to be valid beyond this date for a limited time, but TransLink will cease selling them at FareDealers.

Discount regular fares will instead be offered in the form of stored value on the Compass card. The following table summarizes cash fares, Compass fares, and the amount of savings the Compass will offer.

  1 Zone 2 Zones 3 Zones
  Cash Compass Savings
Cash Compass Savings
Cash Compass Savings
Adult $2.75 $2.35 +$0.40 $4.00 $3.50 +$0.50 $5.50 $4.70 +$0.80
Concession $1.75 $1.75 ±$0.00 $2.75 $2.65 +$0.10 $3.75 $3.70 +$0.05

One of the criticisms of the Compass card is the now eliminated FareSavers offered a deeper discount to commuters. The FareSavers would have offered a discount of $0.25, $0.35, and $0.50 more than the Compass card.

  1 Zone 2 Zones 3 Zones
  FareSavers Compass Savings
FareSavers Compass Savings
FareSavers Compass Savings
Adult $2.10 $2.35 -$0.25 $3.15 $3.50 -$0.35 $4.20 $4.70 -$0.50
Concession $1.75 $1.75 ±$0.00

TransLink responded explaining the price of FareSavers did not increase when most fares increased by 10 per cent on January 1, 2013 to cover for inflation. When this increase is factored in, commuters will essentially receive the same discounts on the Compass card as the FareSavers.

  1 Zone 2 Zones 3 Zones
  FareSavers (+10%)
Compass
Difference
FareSavers (+10%) Compass Difference
FareSavers (+10%)
Compass Difference
Adult $2.31 $2.35 -$0.04 $3.47 $3.50 -$0.03 $4.62 $4.70 -$0.08
Concession $1.75  –

The cost of a Monthly Pass, which is valid for unlimited travel, will remain the same following the launch of Compass.

  Monthly Pass
  1 Zone 2 Zones 3 Zones
  Before
Compass Before  Compass Before Compass
Adult $91  $91  $124  $124  $170  $170
Concession  $52  $52  $52  $52  $52  $52

The transfer time will remain unchanged at 90 minutes, but will have to tap out of the system within 30 minutes after that to avoid an additional charge.

For example, if you tapped into the system at 9:00 a.m., you will have until 10:30 a.m. to transfer as many times you like. Afterwards, you will have to tap out out of the system by 11:00 a.m.

Transfers
Transfer Time
In-System Time
Before
90 minutes N/A
Compass
90 minutes 120 minutes

 

Source: TransLink Transit Tariff
H/T to nname/SkyscraperPage
Image: Steve Chou/Flickr

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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