TransLink finds loophole in Compass Card system

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – TransLink is sticking by the new Compass Card system even though they say there is a loophole.

TransLink says it is possible for riders to get on and then tap out with the card while remaining on the system, evading zone borders.

But Mike Madill with the transit provider says too much is being made of the issue and no system is 100 per cent foolproof. “There’s not one strategy, there’s not one silver bullet for this.”

He says there aren’t that many weak points in the system. “We only have one bus route that goes three zones. Then we’ve got about 50 or so that go two zones. And all the rest are one-zone, so there are around 150 to 200 bus routes that are all just one-zone.”

They are using a number of methods to deter fare evaders, including giving ICBC access to the unpaid fare database.

“They can refuse to issue a license or insurance,” adds Madill, of people who fail to pay the $173 fine for riding without paying.

They’ve also made sure there is a smooth transition between SkyTrain and bus networks. “If people accidentally forget to tap out on the bus, when they tap into the train, their card will automatically adjust to the appropriate fare.”

Madill says the card system and fare gates are expected to recoup $5.3 million each year from fare evasion.

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