Photo credit: Shwangtianyuan | Wikipedia

It was five years ago when fare gates began appearing at the entrances to Vancouver SkyTrain stations. Starting April 4, they’ll finally come into use – system-wide.

It will officially be the end of an era for Vancouverites who grew up using a SkyTrain network that essentially operated on the “honour system.” Transit police did occasionally crack down on fare evaders, but there were no gates to keep people from wandering into the SkyTrain stations without paying.

On April 4, TransLink will officially shut all the gates at SkyTrain and SeaBus stations, a roll-out that is expected to be completed by April 8. Riders will be required to use a valid Compass Card or single-use Compass ticket to tap into the system and open the gates. Compass Card holders must also tap out to avoid being charged for more zones than they actually travelled.   Continue reading:
End of an Era: Fare Gates Officially Close on Vancouver SkyTrains, starting April 4