TransLink launched a new customer education campaign Friday reminding transit users to tap their Compass Card, not their wallet or phone case containing multiple cards.
The “card clash” campaign is setting the stage for the introduction later this spring of new payment options. Customers will soon be able to tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard credit card, or mobile wallet, on card readers to pay for a fare.
“Improving the customer experience is one of our top priorities and Tap to Pay is going to make taking transit even easier,” TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond said in a press release. “Giving people more payment options will greatly increase convenience, especially for people who aren’t regular riders. We plan to launch Tap to Pay this spring to ensure we provide this new convenience in time for tourism season.”
A statement from the transit company says: “Once launched, this will mean no more ticket line-ups, digging for exact change or worrying about pre-calculating zones for customers who don’t have a Compass Card. This new feature will be especially convenient for tourists and infrequent riders — they can simply tap and ride.”
With the new payment options just around the corner, TransLink is reminding customers to only tap the card they wish to be charged, not their wallet or phone case containing multiple cards. This will ensure the correct card is charged once the technology goes live in the system.
“Tapping a wallet or phone case could mean an unintended card is charged. Under no circumstances will multiple cards be charged during a single tap.”
The new payment option is expected to be available later this spring with TransLink announcing the exact launch date, as well as information showing customers how to use the new options, in the near future.
