Later this spring, Metro Vancouver transit users will be able to use contactless credit cards and digital wallets to pay at fare gates and card readers, in addition to Compass cards.
“It will be as easy as tapping,” said TransLink spokesperson Aliya Mohamed.
To prepare for the new payment options, which TransLink is calling “Tap to Pay,” the transit authority has launched a public awareness campaign aimed at reminding people to tap their Compass card rather than their wallet, purse or phone case when using transit.
The goal is to prevent something called “card clash” which could result in the wrong method of payment being charged if, for instance, you have your Compass card and contactless credit cards in your wallet.
“It’s important to get the message out to our current Compass users to tap your card, not your wallet,” said Mohamed. “Ultimately, you want to be in a position where you’re tapping the card that you want to be charged.”
Mohamed said there is no danger of multiple cards being charged for a fare.
Contactless Visa and Mastercard will be accepted, along with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay digital wallets.
Mohamed said the new way of paying is not meant to be used instead of Compass — it’s intended to make payment easier for tourists and infrequent transit users. There is also an incentive to continue using Compass cards, because those using credit cards or mobile payment will be charged the full “cash” fare as opposed to the discounted Compass fare.
“Improving the customer experience is one of our top priorities, and Tap to Pay is going to make taking transit even easier,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “Giving people more payment options will greatly increase convenience, especially for people who aren’t regular riders.”
More details, including a specific launch date, will be revealed in coming weeks.