When Compass cards and fare gates were introduced, transit users who are unable to raise their arms found they couldn’t get through the gates without help. Photo Dan Toulgoet
TransLink is testing out various alternatives to Compass Cards and one of them is the Compass wristband.
The wristband would function the same way a card does, but offers the added convenience of not having to search inside a bag or pull out your wallet to tap.
Vancouver Is Awesome spoke to Jill Drews, Senior Issues Management Advisor, TransLink, about the alternative form of payment.
"TransLink is testing Compass wristbands as a potential alternative form of payment. The wristbands work the same as Compass Cards do. Customers would tap in and tap out at fare gates with the wristband," Drews told us in an email.
"The small testing group is staff only. We are always looking for new ways to improve customer experience and this is one option we are exploring. We hope to have more to share in the coming months."
Of course, the wristbands are only being tested at this point, and the transit provider hasn't stated whether it will move forward with the option.
With that being said, they would be extremely useful for people with disabilities or those that are carrying things on transit. Furthermore, it would be much harder to lose one of the wristbands.
TransLink also introduced a Tap-to-Pay system earlier this year, which allows riders to tap their Visa, Mastercard or mobile wallet at the fare gates or on buses rather than loading a Compass Card.
