compass card review

It's been almost five months since I started using the compass card. Back in 2009 I was one of the original testers of the compass card. The compass card program/fare gates have been an absolute disaster in implementing the program. It took six years between the time I tested the compass card for a month until May 2015 to finally receive my permanent compass card and even then only because I am still finishing my BA at SFU.

My initial impressions back in 2010 were that the card was inconsistent to read, inconsistent with taking fares and the readers themselves were loud. I tried everything to try and find flaws at the time. I "forgot" to tap in, I double tapped, I "forgot" to tap out, etc. I have yet to try it on a closed gates. Currently the gates at skytrain stations are all open. However, once they close, I don't think they will deter fare evaders. First, the gates are in a position where one could easily vault over the gates and/or crawl under them. Second, there is never enough security around to stop an evader.

I also use Handydart most of the time Monday through Friday. I sometimes get cabs who insist on writing the compass card number, which is 16 digits long. I refuse to show my compass card until we arrive at the destination for safety reasons. Besides, the drivers should be focused on the road anyway. Overall, the experience has been positive. I just want to see it in action once the program is fully implemented