TransLink warns of ‘card clashing’ ahead of new payment system

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Upcoming changes will make it easier for transit users around Metro Vancouver to pay for service if they don’t have –or want– a Compass Card.

People will soon be able to use their tap-enabled credit card or mobile wallet to pay for fares, by tapping them on the card readers the same way you would a Compass Card.

But with this new technology comes a warning about “card clashing”. TransLink is launching a new educational campaign aimed at reminding transit users to tap a single card and not your entire wallet or purse.

“No multiple cards will be charged at the same time during a tap,” says TransLink’s Aliya Mohamed. “It’s essentially one card, but what you want to do is tap in and out of the system with the card you’d like to use –not the unintended card, so Visa, Mastercard… Google Pay, Apple Pay in the system.”

The new Tap to Pay system is mostly designed for tourist and infrequent users.

“Improving the customer experience is one of our top priorities and Tap to Pay is going to make taking transit even easier,” explains TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “Giving people more payment options will greatly increase convenience, especially for people who aren’t regular riders.”

While no specific start date has been confirmed, TransLink says it’ll be sometime later this spring in time for tourism season.

“It’s important for them to be able to access our system quickly,” Mohamen adds. “I mean, look at the YVR example. You have people landing by aircraft, grabbing their luggage, waiting to collect their Compass Card or tickets and then, get on the system. They’ll be able to avoid the line-ups, not dig for change, not have to currency convert and just get right on the system.”

The Compass Card system was implemented in January 2016 to replace paper monthly passes.

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