Forget about Tickle Me Elmo or Hatchimals — the most sought-after commodity among Vancouverites in December might be a rubber wristband.
TransLink is releasing a limited number of Compass wristbands beginning December 3, allowing riders to forgo their Compass cards in favour of paying for rides with wearable technology.
The transit agency said it is releasing a limited number to gauge interest: 1,000 blue wristbands for adult riders and 1,000 orange wristbands for concession riders.
TransLink said it would provide more than the initial 2,000-wristband run early next year if demand dictates it.
Like the standard Compass card, transit users will have to pay a $6 refundable deposit on the wearable.
TransLink said it's the first transit agency in North America to offer such devices.
Earlier this year TransLink began accepting credit cards for contactless payments on card-readers across its bus services, SkyTrain lines, SeaBus routes and the West Coast Express.
