New TransLink pass to be named Compass

Metro Vancouver's new transit pass will be called the Compass when it is rolled out in 2013, the regional transit authority announced on Thursday morning.

The name was suggested by a Burnaby man and beat out two other names — TPass and Starfish — in an on-line poll conducted by TransLink, the regional transit authority,

Commuters will be able to use the pass like a debit card to pay for transit fares on both SkyTrain and buses after turnstiles are installed at SkyTrain rapid transit stations.

TransLink says the Compass card will make the fare system more convenient and efficient, while the turnstiles will provide extra security at stations and reduce fare evasion.

Work will begin this spring to install turnstiles at the SkyTrain stations and the project will cost $171 million, with the federal and provincial governments providing $70 million.