TransLink, regional transportation authority in Metro Vancouver, Canada, has added a new feature to its current Compass card readers to additionally accept contactless Visa and Mastercard credit cards for payment of transit fare.
Compass is a secure reloadable fare card designed for use in the Metro Vancouver region.
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Set to be live from 22 May 2018, the new capability will also allow passengers to use mobile wallets.
The ‘tap-to-pay’ addition is expected to eliminate ticket line-ups and improve convenience for customers without Compass Card such as tourists and infrequent riders.
TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond said: “Tap to Pay is all about customer convenience.
“Compass is great for regular riders and this initiative leverages its greater potential by adding more convenient payment options for infrequent users and travellers.
“With tourist season upon us, this is perfect timing for the launch of this new technology.”
The authority is carrying out a card-clash marketing campaign asking customers to tap only the card that has to be charged, instead of a wallet or phone case with several cards, in order to avoid wrong charges.
TransLink Mayors’ Council chair Derek Corrigan said: “This new feature is an innovative complement to the Compass programme.
“Tap to Pay will help deliver a more seamless transit experience for tourists, making it that much easier for visitors to explore every corner of our region.”
