Take the bus or ride the SkyTrain?
For many people, the answer to that question is a no-brainer.
With the $1.4-billion system providing a ride from Coquitlam to Vancouver, the Evergreen Extension is expected to draw thousands of commuters daily because of its convenience and flexibility.
But there may be some customers who are resistant to the change because of the difference in cost between the one-zone bus fare and paying the full three-zone fare for rapid transit.
For adult regular commuters, a monthly three-zone pass is $170 compared to $91 for a single-zone pass for buses, a price capped a year ago when when TransLink decided to abandon the Compass card tapout requirement on buses. But TransLink isn't too concerned people will stay away from the Evergreen Extension because of the fare break.
"It's important that people have options and people will choose based on what's the fastest, or if they have flexibility, they'll choose something that's a little longer and saves some money," said spokesperson Chris Bryan.
But he noted that the current fare system is under review, with options to be presented for public discussion in January and a new fare program likely rolled out next fall.
As well, riders should be aware that they'll have to pay the full three zone fare if they plan to transfer to the SkyTrain or SeaBus from a bus.
And recreational transit users take note: It's just a one-zone fare on all modes of travel after 6:30 p.m.on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays.
