Metro Vancouver's regional transit authority is testing wristbands as an alternative type&nbsp;of&nbsp;payment.&nbsp;

TransLink&nbsp;said in an email that a small&nbsp;testing group of only staff have been trying out the wristbands. Customers would tap them in and out at fare gates, as they currently do with the Compass Card.&nbsp;

Turn on the tap: TransLink rolls out new payment methods

Starting Tuesday, riders will be able to use their Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay to tap in and out of fare gates and Compass Card readers.

Translink Compass card recharge station at Seabus station.

Compass card recharge station

As of Tuesday, Compass won't be the only card that can get you on transit in Metro Vancouver.

Compass card

"We are always looking for new ways to improve customer experience and this is one option we are exploring," said spokesperson Jill Drews.&nbsp;"We hope to have more to share in the coming months."

People getting off the SkyTrain at Stadium-Chinatown Station Wednesday morning tell CBC News that trains have been stopping and waiting just before the stations all morning. Many frustrated commuters arriving near downtown Vancouver are deciding to get off stops early and walk instead of losing time on the stalling trains.

SkyTrain commute Stadium-Chinatown Station - July 23, 2014

Reaction to the potential wristbands has been mixed on social media, with some customers saying they would never wear them on a regular basis.&nbsp;

No... I'm not wearing a plastic wristband around every day with Compass written on it

TransLink&nbsp;introduced its Compass Cards in early 2016. Last March, it added a new tap-to-pay system for customers to use with a Visa, Mastercard&nbsp;or mobile wallet.&nbsp;

TransLink launches hands-free access system for people with disabilities

Transit users who aren’t physically able to tap a Compass Card at fare gates will soon be able to use a radio-frequency identification card.

A radio-frequency identification enabled card (RFID) will automatically open accessible fare gates when users move within range. The card is read by an antenna above the gate and automatically opens without the need to tap a card.

TransLink disabled access

Police use of Compass Card data raises alarm for B.C. civil liberties advocate

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association says although TransLink can share rider information, it should exercise more discretion.

Compass card with Lonsdale Quay seabus gates in background.

While it is permitted for TransLink to share data with the police, the B.C. Civil Liberties Association says it should exercise more discretion.

TransLink is releasing 1,000 blue adult wristbands and 1,000 orange concession wristbands Dec. 3. 

TransLink tests Compass wristbands to tap for payment

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