HandyDART announced its customers can now get age-based discounts and use contactless payment through Compass Cards and Tap to Pay, according to the company’s press release.

These improvements are because of the HandyDART Modernization Program.

“HandyDART is a lifeline for so many of our customers,” said Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO. “I’m proud that these changes will greatly reduce the costs of use for over 70 per cent of our customers while also making the service easier to use.”

With Compass, HandyDART customers can now:

• Access AutoLoad for automatic balance top-ups.

• Protect their stored balance if their Compass Card is lost or stolen.

• Transfer more easily between HandyDART and the bus, SeaBus, SkyTrain, and West Coast Express.

• Use additional fare products such as DayPasses, Compass Wristbands, and Compass Minis.

This will also reduce costs for HandyDART customers aged 65 and older, and for customers between the ages of 13 and 18 (customers 12 and under ride free).

The fare changes for customers who are eligible for the age-based discounts:

“I commend TransLink for bringing these improvements to HandyDART including fare reductions and Compass,” said Tim Louis, HandyDART user’s advisory committee chair. “From my personal experience, TransLink listened to their HandyDART customers through their robust engagement process. I look forward to working with TransLink’s new CEO, Kevin Quinn, to continue finding ways to improve HandyDART for the community.”

TransLink will continue to accept FareSavers as HandyDART payment until Nov. 15.