Transportation Zones & How it Works

  Transportation

Zones & How it works

                        Learn how to ride like a local                


In BC, particularly in Metro Vancouver, getting around is quick and simple because of TransLink’s extensive public transit network. Studying this system can speed up and lower the cost of immigrating for international students. The Three Transit Zones

Metro Vancouver’s transit system is divided into three fare zones:

  • Zone 1: Covers downtown Vancouver, including nearby neighbourhoods like Kitsilano and East Vancouver.
  • Zone 2: Includes suburbs such as Burnaby, New Westminster, and parts of Richmond.
  • Zone 3: Covers outer suburbs like Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, and White Rock.

Fares are based on the number of zones you travel through. For example, travelling only within Zone 1 costs less than travelling from Zone 1 to Zone 3.

Modes of Transport

  • SkyTrain is a fast transit system where trains run above the city and underground, giving frequent service. It creates a direct link between downtown and the suburbs, as well as key areas.
  • Buses: A wide range of buses go around the neighbourhoods and beyond the sky train’s paths.
  • Sea-Bus: A passenger ferry called Sea-Bus runs from downtown Vancouver to the North shore.

Fare System and Payment

  • Students can pay with a Compass Card, a reloadable electronic card that stores fares and monthly passes.
  • Monthly passes for students offer unlimited travel in their chosen zones and can significantly reduce daily transportation costs.
  • Some universities provide discounted transit passes as part of student fees.
  • Fares increase with the number of zones crossed:

    • One zone trip: approx. $ 5.75(depending on the distance), per day, and for a month it is $ 107.30.
    • Two-zone trip: approx. $ 11.50 per day, and the Monthly pass is $143.50
    • Three-zone trip: approx. $11.50 is known as the day pass, and for the monthly pass, pay is 193.80$

Tips for Students

  • Plan your commute carefully to balance rent savings with transportation costs.
  • Check transit schedules and apps like the TransLink app for real-time updates or you can use Google map.
  • Consider bike-sharing programs or car rentals.
Cut travel stress with these simple student transit tips.

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