The security of B.C. commuters will be enhanced thanks to a $100-million priority project that the governments of Canada, British Columbia and TransLink have identified today.
This project involves implementing controlled access gates (Faregates) and electronic fare cards (Smartcards) on the Lower Mainland’s transit system, Premier Gordon Campbell(pictured), Russ Hiebert, MP for South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale and TransLink CEO Tom Prendergast announced today. Construction of the Faregates-Smartcards Project is expected to begin in the spring of 2010.
“We are working in partnership with the federal government and TransLink to improve safety, security and passenger convenience on SkyTrain and throughout the Lower Mainland’s transit system,” said Premier Campbell. “Everyone who chooses to use transit has the right to feel safe and secure. Faregates and Smartcards will help to create a safer environment for transit users and will be an efficient and effective way to reduce fare evasion.”
“By providing real benefits to residents of this province through infrastructure projects such as this, our Government is further enhancing our already strong partnership with British Columbia,” said MP Hiebert. “Not only is the Government of Canada investing in security improvements but we are also helping to create jobs and boost our economy.”
“Smartcards will make things work better for transit customers with a simpler and more convenient way to access the system,” said Prendergast. “Faregates will complement the Smartcard system, and will significantly improve the public’s perception of safety and security on transit, and their confidence that fare evasion issues are being addressed.”
In addition to contributing to the security of passengers, smartcards will generate ridership information that will give TransLink a significant advantage in future service planning, plus the ability in the longer term to structure fares to match the service being provided.
Previous security measures for transit in the Lower Mainland include the creation of the Transit Police Service, Canada’s first dedicated transit police force with full police powers.
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