For e.g. many Skytrain stations needed renovations in order to be able to install these fare-gates. Lots of ticket machines both for the Skytrain and on busses needed to be changed. One of the suppossed benefits will be the digital payment card known as COMPASS. This card can be pre-loaded with money and transit rides will be debitted automatically.
One problem is apparently the system we've purchased is similar to a system used in Chicago. They have had no end of problems with it and some of those problems are showing up here. I give Translink credit for not just ploughing ahead and starting use of this system until BUGS get worked out. There will be BUGS regardless, but try to minimize them.....
The real benefit, IMO, to the COMPASS system is not Fare-Gates and making sure EVERYBODY PAYS. IMO, the real value that will be provided to Translink (and therefore the taxpayers) will be the wealth of DATA that the system can then mine in order to provide an effecient transit structure. So much of the COMPASS chatter is about reducing the number of ways payments are made and/or stopping free-loading. However, I think the real value will be them getting stronger, reliable DATA (if they can get the system up/running
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I live in Vancouver and use transit regularily. Recently my father was placed in a care home in Surrey. There is NO QUESTION, IMO, that Vancouver's transit system is superior. I don't mean we're better, I mean Vancouverites are GETTING BETTER SERVICE. If you don't live within WALKING DISTANCE of a Skytrain station in Surrey, you are NOT GETTING the transit levels of service, I get here in Vancouver. ANYTIME OF DAY, most busses in Surrey ARE PACKED. This is the kind of data that I hope COMPASS can show Translink planners so that the citizens of Surrey who want to use transit can get more of the kind of service I get in Vancouver. Just my
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