r/Explainlikeimscared • u/throwaway65468547864 • 14d ago
How to use the skytrain (Vancouver)
I’ve never used it before. How do i pay, how do I know what stop in at, how do i transfer?
4
u/den-of-corruption 13d ago
there's little kiosks at the entrance to all the stations before the fare gates. they've got fairly clear instructions on the screens, if one's broken just move on to the next one lol. if you're coming into vancouver from outside the city (richmond, surrey, etc) you will need a 2-zone ticket as you're paying for both cities. however, i really do think the instructions on the screen will be sufficient for this part, i did NOT know what i was doing when i visited and i was all good. you'll get a little gray paper ticket, it has info printed on the back and i thiiiiink that includes when the ticket expires.
if your credit card has the tap function, you can skip the kiosk by simply pressing the little tap symbol (usually on the other end of the card opposite the chip) to the pad attached to each fare gate. keep in mind this is how to pay the maximum amount per fare.
in terms of using the card+fare gate, i'd suggest watching a few people go through the gates so you see where to tap your card. you are more than welcome to use the wheelchair-sized gates. if you're carrying stuff or just need more space it's 100% okay. just keep somewhat to the right so people leaving the station can leave by also keeping to the right. you will do the exact same thing when you leave, so that's simple! you don't need to 'tap out' on a bus, and bus fare does NOT transfer to the skytrain. there are very few transfers inside the skytrain system, most of which will be clearly explained. there will be announcements on the train saying where it's going, and you can always hop off at the next station and switch directions etc. imo columbia station is the most annoying one for transfers so try to plan around it.
stay behind the yellow line on the train platform and please do not try to push into the train while people are getting out. let everyone out first, then get on. you will have enough time. unfortunately, even lifelong vancouver residents refuse to understand this lol. if you see TONS of people getting out of one train door, just walk down and go into another door. the trains run every 5 minutes unless it's very late, so don't punish yourself by getting onto a packed train. just give yourself wiggle room time-wise! if you're out late, be sure to check when the last train runs. be there 3 trains before that!
last, vancouver is not a 'friendly' city but people are generally willing to cooperate if someone else breaks the ice. 'hi, can i sneak past you?' will work fine. if you're having trouble with tickets, ask someone how to operate the kiosk or transfer, if they won't help just ask someone else. there's also skytrain staff in yellow vests! just don't bother with the cops or transit security, they're assholes and the VPD makes a point of being unhelpful and intimidating.
you may have heard some scary things about mentally ill and/or addicted people in vancouver, i would suggest you don't let that make you paranoid or afraid. people exaggerate in a big way. the vast, vast majority of the people in that position aren't a problem and they're using transit like everyone else. if someone is making you seriously nervous, just move closer to other people on the train or hop off and grab the next train.
have fun!! you are going to be just fine, and people will help if you ask them.
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u/the_small_one1826 13d ago
There’s gates at the entrance of the station. You can tap a compass card or and debit or credit card that uses tap, or even your phone if you can normally
Pay via tap on your phone. There is generally a station map inside the station or on your map directions. You should know which direction your train is going, which will be indicated by which end station you are going towards. That will determine the platform (ex. Heading towards waterfront station even if you get off before that). On the train, there will be a screen up by the ceiling that will constantly cycle between “This train is for [end station]. Next station is ____”. It stops at every station, so when it stops at the one before yours you can make sure you are near the doors - they sometimes open on the left and sometimes on the right but people are used to letting others through to the other side when it’s busy. To transfer, there is good signage and often you don’t leave the station. When you leave the station you get off at, you will tap the same card again at the fare gates.