NOVEMBER 2018 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 41
talked to a range of stakeholders
before proceeding to build a solution.
Hyperlight Systems made it a
priority to work with TransLink to
retrofi t their existing infrastructure
and hardware, with the goal
of improving customer experience
with minimal construction eff ort,
time and cost.
Th e solution was a custom built
OpenHAP (Hand-free Access
Point) system, leveraging wireless
technology to automatically open
fare gates across transit stations.
Eligible passengers are assigned
a Radio Frequency Identifi cation
(RFID) card that triggers fare
gates to swing open within close
range. RFID sensors were placed
above the fare gates, eliminating
the need for any new construction
or hardware modifi cations on
the existing gates. As a result, the
technology enables passengers to
travel independently and achieve
equal access to social and economic
participation.
Th is new hands-free system,
termed the Universal Fare Gate
Access Program, was rolled out
in a rapid but phased approach.
Th e proof of concept was developed,
tested and piloted at three
stations in 2017. Th en in January
2018, the system was successfully
deployed across 40 percent of
TransLink stations. To date, over
91 percent of SkyTrain and Canada
Line stations and SeaBus terminals
in BC are equipped with
TRANSLINK WORKS to provide
the same travel experience.
By the
Numbers
91%
of SkyTrain
and Canada
Line stations
and SeaBus
terminals in BC
are equipped with
Universal Fare
Gate technology
All
of SkyTrain and
Canada Line
stations and
SeaBus terminals
in BC will
equipped with
Universal Fare
Gate technology
the technology, with the goal to
outfi t all TransLink stations by
the end of 2018. Since the initial
roll out, the technology has received
overwhelmingly positive
user feedback. Brad Zdanivsky,
a TransLink rider who uses a
wheelchair, joined the Hyperlight
Systems team to help test,
roll out and promote the new
system. “I’m happy to be part of
the solution making transit more
accessible,” says Brad. Rider response
continues to demonstrate
the technology’s positive impact
in supporting independence for
people with disabilities and senior
citizens.
TransLink encourages all
customers with mobility challenges
to apply, with the goal of
empowering everyone to travel
independently and pass through
public spaces with dignity. Th e
positive reception from transit
users and the public has enhanced
TransLink’s reputation as a customer
focused leader in accessibility.
Together with Hyperlight
Systems, they are helping put
Canada on the map as a global
leader for universal accessibility.
Developing fully
accessible transit
for smarter cities
Hyperlight Systems envisions
smart cities of the future to be inclusive
and responsive. Th rough
continuous community engagement
and user-feedback, Hyperlight
Systems has created a customer
journey map to understand
additional accessibility barriers
that exist from the time someone
leaves their home until they arrive
at their destination. Th e team is
committed to developing a unifi
ed accessibility platform that enables
barrier-free mobility experience
through fare gates, elevators,
intersections, and any other type
of access points that pose a challenge
to those with disabilities.
“I’m happy to be part of the solution
making transit more accessible.”
-BRAD ZDANIVSKY, a TransLink rider who
uses a wheelchair
TransLink
/MassTransitmag.com