TransLink, Interac Corp., and Cubic Transportation Systems announced they are working together to integrate Interac Debit onto the system to give customers more contactless payment options.

TransLink customers will be able to pay with Interac Debit at Compass readers on any bus or fare gate across the system by the end of 2022.

“Integrating Interac Debit contactless payments across our system in Metro Vancouver is another way we’re making it easier for customers to take transit,” said Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO. “TransLink was the first transit agency in Canada to commercially launch contactless credit card and mobile payments, and it’s important that we continue to be innovative to make transit an even more attractive transportation option.”

Tap to Pay allows users to pay with Interac Debit directly to ride without pre-purchasing a Compass Card and without having to use an in-station Compass Vending Machine. The addition of Interac Debit will further options for TransLink customers.

Over 5,000 Compass readers across TransLink’s network will need to be upgraded to ensure compatibility with debit cards enabled with Interac Debit contactless payments.

TransLink, Interac, and Cubic Transportation Systems are working to upgrade the readers over the next year.

“Partnering with TransLink to add Interac Debit contactless payments to Metro Vancouver’s transit fare reader system is the next big step to providing added convenience to all transit riders in the area,” said William Keliehor, CCO at  Interac Corp. “By offering Interac Debit, a form of payment that millions of Canadians already use for day-to-day purchases, transit authorities like TransLink are giving riders a contactless digital payment option which can help with the responsible post-COVID-19 recovery of transit networks in cities across the country.”

Once integrated, customers will be able to pay at Compass readers by using Interac Debit, in addition to other already available contactless payment options like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay Wallet.

TransLink reminds customers to tap their card or smartphone when paying for transit and not their wallet, to avoid card clash when paying.