The credit card and debit functions on Canada Line ticket terminals went down Wednesday, forcing attendants to offer free boarding to anyone unable to pay cash.
TransLink says for at least half an hour Wednesday morning all ticket machines along the Canada line were either out of service, or flashing the words "Cash only."
One commuter at the King Edward Station told ctvbc.ca Canada Line attendants were instructed to urge passengers to pay with available cash, but in lieu of hard currency, they could walk on free of charge.
TransLink spokesman Drew Snider says that even when ticket machines go down, passengers are still expected to provide proof of payment - or risk facing Transit Police.
"Transit Police do issue tickets to violators, although in all cases they exercise discretion," Snider said in a statement.
The rapid transit system is the most expensive infrastructure project in B.C. history. But since its grand opening on August 17, passengers have reported having trouble using the ticket terminals.
Officials say it's because the machines were outfitted to read "smart cards," credit cards containing a microchip that makes swiping redundant.
"My understanding is that we went with the ones that can read the chip technology," Snider said Tuesday.
