TransLink to test multimodal fare card

TransLink last week launched a pilot program to test a multimodal fare card in Vancouver, British Columbia.

During the seven-month pilot, 200 pre-selected riders will be able to use a Compass Card to purchase fares on the TransLink bus and SkyTrain network, Modo and Evo car shares and the Mobi bike share program, TransLink officials said in a press release.

At the end of each month, riders will be able to view their ride expenses by mode.

Riders testing the multimodal fare option were chosen because they are employees of one of the 14 different Vancouver-based companies that partnered with TransLink on the program. Riders will use the fare card for work-related travel.

"Those participating can take transit on their morning commute, cycle to meeting locations throughout the day, and unlock car-share services for the journey back home,” said TransLink Chief Executive Officer Kevin Desmond. “These individual trips will now all be possible with one easy and seamless payment method."

The program will end in May 2020, after which participating companies and riders will be surveyed on its success.