Smartcards and Higher Security to Take Skytrain Forward

From News 1130

TransLink and the provincial government are banking on improved security on SkyTrain to increase the number of riders. The Transportation Minister says they hope to have a gated security system in place by 2010, along with a 'Smartcard' to access the system.

Peter Lowe with TransLink says it is very user friendly. "You can just swipe your card, get on the system, get billed after you use it by how far you go or how many municipalities you travel through. All the hard work is done behind the scenes."

Riders at the Broadway Terminal can see benefits to the gated security and even the Smartcard. "I think it's a good idea, I think a lot of people don't pay. If that's going to increase revenues and keep prices down then it's probably a good idea."

But several don't see how it could improve security, other than less of a need to carry cash, especially at night. Translink calls it a convenience for regular users but says other payment options will still be available.

Implementing a similar system on the London Underground increased their revenue by 20%.

Kevin Falcon says personal information would only be collected from local volume users who will be able to access discounts.

Short-term and tourist passes won't require names and phone numbers.