As you may know, TransLink is discontinuing its 14-year-old Employer Pass Program (“EPP”) effective December 31, 2013.  This decision comes as part of a review of all discounts and programs offered by TransLink. The 15% discount offered by Translink for EPP participants is being discontinued. VCH has had an additional subsidy ($11, $12 or $13 per month, depending on zones) as well which has helped encourage staff to take transit to work. This additional subsidy will continue for the bridge period. VCH is committed to continuing to support staff to commute-to-work and opt for work-related travel that involves active and sustainable transportation alternatives.

EPP Bridging Program

VCH will support existing EPP participants by offering a bridging program during the gap in time between the end of the EPP (December 31, 2013) and the start of the Compass Card program (summer of 2014 or later).  The bridging program will run from January 2014 to July 2014 and will be reassessed prior to July 2014 when the new Compass Card program is scheduled to begin.

During the bridging program EPP participants who wish to remain enrolled in the program will purchase their own monthly transit passes at local authorized FareDealer locations (such as Mac’s, 7-Eleven, Safeway or London Drugs) starting in January 2014 and by signing a form with the VCH Commuter Centre will receive financial subsidy equivalent to the current VCH subsidy. An email communication has been sent to all current EPP Participants.

We will provide an update prior to July 2014 when we have more information on the Compass Card program – stay tuned!

FareSaver tickets

Please note that FareSaver tickets, sold in booklets of 10 in advance of travel, will be transitioned out beginning in January 2014, but TransLink says the discount the tickets provided will be included on its new Compass Cards.

Click here for more information and to read the full notice from Translink.