TransLink introducing new disability access cards

TransLink will distribute special temporary access cards to people with disabilities who cannot tap in and out of fare gates, as part of a soft launch for a new hands-free gate access technology.

The transit authority’s board of directors voted Thursday to authorize TransLink to deliver the radio frequency identification (RFID) access cards — free of charge — to eligible customers. The cards will be valid until Dec. 31, 2018. The board also approved the eligibility criteria and application process for the cards.

“We’re actually really excited about this,” said Geoff Cross, TransLink’s vice-president of policy and planning. “It’s really important to us that we provide seamless access for people with a disability who at some point or another are unable to tap without assistance.”

Shortly after fare gates closed at SkyTrain and SeaBus stations in April 2016, those with disabilities and their advocates were vocal about the fact that those with limited or no use of their arms were unable to get through the fare gates without help because they could not tap in with their Compass cards.

TransLink began working on a solution, and initially planned to install special gates. However, the authority instead decided to use long-range RFID technology in the existing accessible fare gates.

In May, the technology was installed in an accessible fare gate at Edmonds station, and was tested in early June. The pilot was expanded to include Production Way-University and Burrard stations.

When a user with an RFID card approaches the accessible fare gate, a sensor above the gate picks up a signal from the card and opens the gate.

Cross calls the solution “cutting edge” and said it will provide unparalleled access to the gated system.

“No other transit system, as we can find out, on the planet has ever employed this, at least on a wide scale, so we’re really thrilled about this and it seems to work really well,” Cross said.

To date, the system has been installed at 28 stations, and full rollout will be complete in late 2018. Once the technology has been installed across the gated system, the board will hear about options for the long-term program, including adding the RFID card as fare media.

The soft launch, Cross said, will allow TransLink to finish installing the sensors, and refine how the service is delivered and fares will be charged. It will also allow TransLink to determine how many customers will require RFID cards.

To qualify for a card, a customer will go through an application process that includes completing a form reviewed by Access Transit Customer Care and meeting with a third-party health professional contracted by TransLink.

The final cost of the retrofit has not been revealed; however, TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond said in June it’s anticipated to cost about $5 million.