TransLink gets approval to start moving toward distance-based fares

Zone-based payment for rapid transit in Metro Vancouver could soon become a thing of the past.

The Mayors' Council has given TransLink the go-ahead to start developing a new payment model based on distance travelled on the SkyTrain, SeaBusand Canada Line systems.

Based on positive feedback from people during an extensive consultation process, TransLinkwill begin research on changing payments so people pay a flat rate for thefirst five kilometrestravelled (around $2.95, the current one-zone rate), but would then increase per kilometre until the current three-zone payment (at $5.70) is reached.

A pilot project will likely take place after that, followed by full approval by TransLinkon the detailed specifics of the plan.

The changes would also affect monthly passes, allowing people to pay for unlimited transit based on the maximum distance they travel on rapid transit per trip.

"Our simpler system now, with just the three zones, also creates inequality," said TransLinkCEO Kevin Desmond.

"If you travel a short distance, you happen to cross the boundary, you're paying more fare than someone travelling a longer distance."

About two-thirds of commuters will be chargedabout the same as they are today, according to TransLink.

The report also recommends station-to-station based pricing for theWest Coast Express, but that would not move forward until consultations take placewith those who use the system.

TransLink will also begin exploring a pilot for discounted fares at off-peak times, and negotiations with the provincial government for funding that would allow discounts for seniors and low-income earners.

But Desmond said it would taketime for changes to be adopted.

"It's technically feasible, but it's very, very complicated. It exponentially increases the complexity of our fare table," he said.

"Off-peakfares, that would add another layer of complexity on the systems. If and when we add different products, low-income fare, youth fares, adds in another level of complexity. We want to look at this holistically, and understand how we implement it into the system as seamlessly as possible, and as smart as possible."

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