We were pleased to attend this event today announcing the launch of the Universal Fare Gate Access Program. This new system allows people with disabilities and seniors to pass through fare gates without having to tap their Compass Card.

This program is the first of its kind in the world and we congratulate TransLink and the disability and seniors communities for their hard work and commitment to ensuring that all individuals can use our transit system with independence and dignity.

To learn more, click here: http://www.vancourier.com/news/made-in-b-c-solution-improves-access-to-translink-fare-gate-system-1.23152577

The government of British Columbia has issued the following information bulletin:

B.C. Poverty Reduction Strategy community meeting coming to Richmond

“A community meeting for B.C.’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy will take place in Richmond on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018.

Residents are invited to come and talk about how to reduce poverty in the province. Ideas shared at this in-person community meeting will help inform the Poverty Reduction Strategy that is scheduled to be released in fall 2018. Everyone is welcome.

Richmond community meeting:

Date: Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018
Location: Richmond Secondary school gymnasium
7171 Minoru Blvd.
Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The community meeting will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Notes: Refreshments will be served. The location is accessible. Supports are available to help you participate, including transportation, child care, disability and health supports, as well as secure storage for belongings.

If you need supports to participate, please contact Lara Therrien Boulos by phone at 604 718-8504 or email: ltboulos@sparc.bc.ca

Public meetings are being held in communities throughout the province. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can also give feedback in these ways:

Send input online: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcpovertyreduction/

Send an email: BCPovertyReduction@gov.bc.ca

Call and leave a voice mail message: 1 778 698-7746 (Victoria number)

Or, call Enquiry BC and ask for BC Poverty Reduction: 1 800 663-7867 (Calls can be made Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time).

Information on the poverty reduction strategy engagement can be found online: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcpovertyreduction/”

Download the information bulletin here.

TransLink has announced that the Universal Fare Gate Access Program has entered its ‘soft launch’ phase, effective January 15, 2018.

From TransLink’s website:

“The Universal Fare Gate Access Program provides fare gate access for customers with a disability who are physically not able to tap fare media at SkyTrain stations and SeaBus terminals.

Eligible customers will receive a radio-frequency identification (RFID) enabled card to automatically open accessible fare gates when they move within close range.

This program is intended for customers who are:

• physically not able to tap at Compass fare gates without assistance,
• unable to tap a Compass Card using available assistive devices, and
• travelling independently.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.translink.ca/opengates.