Mini madness: Big lineups greet launch of little Compass card

If the lineups are any indication, TransLink'snew Compass Mini cards are a big hit.

At this morning's launch at the Stadium-Chinatown Compass office, about 120 people lined up around the corner onto the Dunsmuir Viaduct in order to get their hands on the Mini a limited-edition,keychain-sized transit pass.

Mini hopeful Oliver Stannus said he liked the convenience of the new card.

"It will make my life easier getting to work every day," he said.

The diminutive cards attach easily to keychains and backpacks and function in the same as the regular-size Compass cards.

Five thousand blue Minis for standard fares and 2,500 orange concession Minis were available starting this morning at theStadium-Chinatown Station and the West Coast Express Office in Waterfront Station.

The Compass Mini is the latest experiment by TransLinkin offering alternatives to the Compass card. Last December,Compass wristbands sold out within hours of their launch.

Some were then offered for resale by scalpers for several times the original cost.

"The launch of Compass Mini is a part of our commitment to enhance the customer experience,"said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond.

"Compass wristbands have been a real hit and I'm sure customers will enjoy the convenience and practicality of the new Compass Mini,"said Desmond.