Being a regular TransLink user, I recently started looking into the arrival of the re-loadable Compass Cards coming out in late 2013, which are supposed to be a more innovative way to provide service to the public.
So far I'm skeptical about this distancebased travel combined with the fare zone, tap in-tap out system after reading Translink's website.
First off, when you tap on, it assumes you're taking a three-zone trip, but recalculates when you tap off so you pay for what the trip was worth.
Will I be denied a one-zone trip if I don't have enough money for three zones? How do we keep up with the balance on our cards at all times? Secondly, I'm confused as to why keep the fare zone system when it defeats the purpose of tapping in and out and getting charged based on the distance traveled.
Lastly, I'd like to address the tap out part of the system. What's stopping people from tapping on a bus, tapping off while they're still in the same zone, but staying on the bus so they only get charged for one zone? I'd also like to point out that on overcrowded buses, who has the time to wait for each individual to tap out? To me, it seems that TransLink will get a lot of money from people who simply forget to tap out.
I hope TransLink can find a way to effectively communicate with the public, address our concerns, answer our questions and be able execute a smooth transition for all of us.
Zandy Quidangen Richmond
