Vancouver has an excellent transportation system with a combination of
light rail,
buses and
local ferries. It has won several awards, and in 2009, the Mercer livability report ranked Vancouver's infrastructure (which includes transportation), number 6 in the world.
The Greater Vancouver Area is broken into 3 geographical zones for the purposes of transit fares. You pay your fare based on the number of zones you will be travelling in. Zone 1 includes the city of Vancouver only. Zone 2 includes Richmond, Sea Island, New Westminster, Burnaby along with cities of West and North Vancouver. Zone 3 includes all the outlying cities including, but not limited to Anmore, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Delta, Ladner, Tsawwasen, Langley and White Rock.
A 1-zone fare would allow you to travel for up to 90 minutes in any single zone. A 2-zone fare would allow to cross any two zones, for example going from Richmond to Surrey would have you travel across Zone 2 into Zone 3, you would only need a 2-zone fare.
Children 4 and under ride for free, and concession rates are available for 5 to 13 year olds, people over 65, CNIB and War Amputee pass holders.
Adult Prices as of January 1st, 2013
| |
Zones |
Adult |
Concession |
| Monthly Fare Cards |
1 Zone |
$91.00 |
$52.00 |
| |
2 Zone |
$124.00 |
$52.00 |
| |
3 Zone |
$170.00 |
$52.00 |
FareSaver Tickets
(Book of ten) |
1 Zone |
$21.00 |
$17.50 |
| |
2 Zone |
$31.50 |
|
| |
3 Zone |
$42.00 |
|
| Day Pass |
All Zones |
$9.75 |
|
Regular Fares
(Weekdays until 6:30 pm) |
1 Zone |
$2.75 |
$1.75 |
| |
2 Zone |
$4.00 |
$2.75 |
| |
3 Zone |
$5.50 |
$3.75 |
| |
Canada Line YVR AddFare |
$5.00 |
|
| Weekdays after 6:30 pm & all Weekend |
All Zones |
$2.75 |
$1.75 |
| HandyDART |
1 Zone |
$2.75 |
|
| |
2 Zone |
$2.75 |
|
| |
3 Zone |
$4.00 |
|
| |
4 or more Zones |
$5.50 |
|
The West Coast Express is a Monday-to-Friday commuter rail service that runs during peak morning and evening times with end points in Mission and Downtown Vancouver respectively, and stops at various areas in between, including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Meadows, and Port Haney. It has a different
pricing and zoning system than the rest of the transit system.
Student Transit Passes
Registered Students attending
secondary school are eligible for a GoCard. GoCard holders have access to the concession fares. There is an $11 fee for the production and processing of a GoCard.
Students attending the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Langara or Capilano University may have access to the Vancity U-Pass program. The U-Pass program provides unlimited access to bus, SeaBus, and SkyTrain services, and discounts to the West Coast Express.