Today's News

TransLink is first transit agency in Canada to enable Interac Debit payments systemwide

New Westminster, BC, January 13, 2023--(T-Net)--TransLink customers can now pay for transit using Interac Debit on every bus and at every fare gate throughout Metro Vancouver. This makes TransLink the first transit agency in Canada to fully integrate contactless Interac Debit payments systemwide.

As part of TransLink's Customer Experience Action Plan - TransLink, Interac, Moneris, and Cubic Transportation Systems upgraded more than 5,000 Compass Readers throughout TransLink's system to make transit payments more convenient.

The upgrade allows customers to board transit by using Interac Debit with physical cards or through smartphone digital wallets. This allows customers to pay for transit more easily without having to use an in-station Compass Vending Machine or having to pre-load a Compass product with stored value.

Interac Debit is one more addition to the suite of available payment options for TransLink customers. Transit users can also pay with contactless credit cards, digital wallets, Compass Cards, Compass Wristbands, and Compass Minis.

Regional data from participants of a recent Interac Canada-wide survey found that a growing number of British Columbians want more convenient contactless payment options for transit:

• 66 per cent see debit as a convenient way to pay for transit.
• 64 per cent claimed that tap payments would save time when paying fares.
• 56 per cent would be interested in using debit or credit cards to pay for their trips if they had the option.
• 69 per cent believe it would be easier for visitors to pay for transit using their bank card as opposed to tickets, tokens, or passes.

TransLink said in a release that it reminds customers to please tap their card or smartphone when paying for transit, and not their wallets, to avoid card clash when paying.

Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink

Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink said "We're focused on making transit more convenient for customers and this upgrade will particularly benefit those who may not have easy access to a credit card. We were the first transit agency in the country to implement contactless credit card payments, and we're proud to be the first transit system in Canada to implement contactless Interac Debit payments systemwide as well."

William Keliehor, Chief Commercial Officer, Interac Corp stated "When transit authorities add Interac Debit to their networks, they are offering riders a form of payment that almost 30 million Canadians already use for day-to-day purchases. Tap to Pay offers riders a convenient way to pay their fares directly with Interac Debit, without having to pre-purchase a separate transit card. Our recent survey data showed us that 85 per cent of British Columbians agreed that paying for transit should be as easy as buying a cup of coffee. Today's announcement helps to make that a reality."

More information:

TransLink Customer Experience Action Plan
TransLink Pricing and Fare Zones webpage