Vancouver

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Ticketing

Information about purchasing tickets or passes for public transportation, including buses, SkyTrain, and ferries.

Sections

1. Overview of Vancouver's Public Transit System

  • Modes of Transit:
    • Buses: Operate across the city and surrounding areas.
    • SkyTrain: A rapid transit system with three lines: Expo Line, Millennium Line, and Canada Line.
    • SeaBus: A passenger ferry connecting downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver.
    • West Coast Express: A commuter train serving areas east of Vancouver.
  • Zones: The system is divided into 3 fare zones, but buses operate on a flat fare regardless of zones. SkyTrain and SeaBus fares depend on the number of zones traveled.

2. Types of Tickets and Passes

TransLink offers several ticketing options to suit different needs:

a. Single-Use Tickets

  • Description: Valid for 90 minutes across buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus.
  • Pricing (as of 2023):
    • 1 Zone: $3.20 (adults), $2.15 (concession)
    • 2 Zones: $4.55 (adults), $3.15 (concession)
    • 3 Zones: $5.90 (adults), $4.20 (concession)
  • Concession Fares: Available for children (5โ€“13 years), youth (14โ€“18 years with ID), and seniors (65+ years).
  • Buses: Flat fare of $3.20 (adults) or $2.15 (concession), regardless of zones.

b. Compass Card

  • Description: A reloadable, reusable smart card offering discounted fares and convenience.
  • Cost: $6 refundable deposit for the card.
  • Benefits:
    • Lower fares compared to single-use tickets.
    • Automatically calculates the correct fare based on zones traveled.
    • Can be loaded with stored value (pay-as-you-go) or passes.
  • Pricing with Compass Card:
    • 1 Zone: $3.10 (adults), $2.10 (concession)
    • 2 Zones: $4.45 (adults), $3.05 (concession)
    • 3 Zones: $5.80 (adults), $4.15 (concession)

c. DayPass

  • Description: Unlimited travel across all zones for one day.
  • Cost: $11.05 (adults), $8.45 (concession).
  • Best For: Tourists or those planning multiple trips in a single day.

d. Monthly Pass

  • Description: Unlimited travel within a calendar month.
  • Pricing:
    • 1 Zone: $102.55 (adults), $58.60 (concession)
    • 2 Zones: $137.10 (adults), $93.35 (concession)
    • 3 Zones: $185.20 (adults), $127.70 (concession)
  • Best For: Residents or long-term visitors who commute frequently.

e. Compass Mini (for Tourists)

  • Description: A preloaded, disposable Compass Card designed for short-term visitors.
  • Availability: Can be purchased with preloaded amounts or as a DayPass.

3. How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets and passes can be purchased through the following methods:

a. Compass Vending Machines

  • Located at all SkyTrain stations, SeaBus terminals, and some bus exchanges.
  • Accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.

b. Online

  • Purchase and reload Compass Cards or passes via the TransLink website.
  • Delivery may take a few days, so plan ahead.

c. Retail Outlets

  • Compass Cards and DayPasses are available at select retailers, including 7-Eleven, London Drugs, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

d. On Buses

  • Single-use tickets can be purchased directly from bus drivers (cash only, exact change required).

e. Mobile Payment

  • Use contactless credit cards, debit cards, or mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) to tap in and out on buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. Fares are the same as Compass Card rates.

4. Important Guidelines for Using Tickets

  • Tapping In and Out:
    • For SkyTrain and SeaBus, tap your Compass Card or contactless payment method on the card reader when entering and exiting.
    • For buses, only tap when boarding.
  • Transfers: A single ticket is valid for unlimited transfers within 90 minutes.
  • Zone Boundaries: Zone fares apply only during weekdays (Monday to Friday) from the start of service until 6:30 PM. After 6:30 PM and on weekends/holidays, all trips are charged as 1 Zone fares.
  • Refunds: Unused stored value on Compass Cards can be refunded, but processing fees may apply.

5. Discounts and Special Considerations

  • Children Under 5: Travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
  • Post-Secondary Students: Eligible for the U-Pass BC program, offering discounted monthly passes through participating schools.
  • Seniors: Reduced concession fares are available for those aged 65+.
  • Tourist Tip: The DayPass is often the most economical option for visitors planning to explore multiple areas in a single day.

6. Regional Considerations

  • West Coast Express: This commuter train has its own fare structure, but Compass Cards can still be used. Fares depend on the number of zones traveled, and tickets must be purchased before boarding.
  • Travel to/from Vancouver International Airport (YVR):
    • A $5 AddFare applies to all trips starting at YVR Airport Station on the Canada Line, except for monthly pass holders or those using DayPasses.

7. Tips for Visitors

  • Plan Your Route: Use the TransLink Trip Planner or apps like Google Maps to navigate the system efficiently.
  • Avoid Peak Hours: If possible, travel outside rush hours (7:00โ€“9:00 AM and 4:00โ€“6:00 PM) for a more comfortable experience.
  • Keep Your Ticket: Always keep your ticket or Compass Card handy during your trip, as fare inspections are conducted regularly.
  • Explore Beyond Vancouver: The transit system connects to nearby cities like Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey, making it easy to explore the Greater Vancouver area.

By understanding these ticketing options and guidelines, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate Vancouverโ€™s public transit system with ease. Enjoy your travels!