TransLink aims for turnstiles by 2013

TransLinksays it will install turnstiles throughoutMetro Vancouver's rapid transit system by 2013.

TransLink says it has shortlisted three companies as it searches for an electronic fare payment system for its SkyTrain and SeaBus routes.

In a written release, TransLink said the three consortia include Thales/Octopus International Projects, Serco/Parkeon and Cubic/IBM.

Spokesman Ken Hardie said those multi-nationals have developed systems in cities such as London, Hong Kong and Dubai.

"They represent some of the biggest names in Smart Card systems around the world," he said.

"They have a great deal of experience and we're really excited about the possibility."

He said the system should be up and running in the next few years.

"When the full system is up and running in 2013, people will have in their possession a credit card-sized card that they will tap on a special reader and it will automatically charge them the fare that they are making," Hardie said.

"They'll use this card to then open the faregate and that will allow them to get through to the vessel or the train."

Hardie said Smart Cards will increase efficiency and make transit easier to use, while Faregates will promote security and cut down on fare evasion.

The province will pay $40 million of the nearly $170 million cost while the federal government will chip in $30 million and TransLink will cover the remainder.