Bus-to-SkyTrain charges anger commuters

Some commuters have launched a petition demanding TransLink reverse changes to the new fare system that will force cash-paying riders to pay twice when transferring from bus to SkyTrain.

The new system, which includes automated gates at SkyTrain stations, will not allow bus tickets paid for by cash to be used on the SkyTrain. To avoid the double charge, commuters must purchase a prepaid compass card.

Glyn Lewis, who usually pays for his bus fare with cash, says his commute will soon double in cost.

"They're basically saying, if you want to use change and you get a bus ticket on a bus and use the SkyTrain, you have to pay again and I don't think that's acceptable," he said.

"A lot of folks who might not have the resources to go down and put a whole bunch of cash on their pass, those are all the people that will be impacted by this."

Derek Zabel, spokesman for TransLink, said commuters can avoid the double fare by buying a pass, which offers discounted rates to those who preload the smart cards.

"You can have a stored value on it and tap onto the system," he said. "And you're going to be saving money as well."

The new changes come into effect January 2014.