TransLink to close all fare gates in April

Beginning April 4, British Columbia's TransLink will close all remaining open fare gates as part of the rollout of its Compass fare card.

Once the agency finishes the closures April 8, customers will need a Compass Card or Compass Ticket to pass through fare gates to travel on the SkyTrain or SeaBus, TransLink officials said in a press release.

In February, TransLink wrapped up nearly 20 SkyTrain gate closure demonstrations, which gave customers and front line staff the opportunity to experience full gate closures. The demonstrations will continue at stations across the system through March.

The Compass system is expected to enhance safety and security, reduce fare evasion, and enable better data collection to drive transit planning and ridership, TransLink officials said.

"More than 675,000 customers have made the switch to Compass and we are confident our customers are ready for this transition to a fully closed, gated system," said TransLink Acting Chief Executive Officer Cathy McLay.