TransLink has officially launched support for tap and mobile payments for adult fares in Metro Vancouver. To help spread the news, the company has enlisted the help of Hollywood actor, Morgan Freeman.
Freeman’s well-recognized voice will be heard at select SkyTrain stations and on some routes, making announcements to riders during this summer, reports The Vancouver Sun.
One clip has Freeman announcing, “Good news, Vancouver. Starting today, you can now tap your Visa to go anywhere TransLink takes you.”
He will also announce bus etiquette, but not for individual stops.
“Hello bus riders. This is a smoke-free bus, but I’m sure you already knew that,” explains Freeman to riders. “What you might not know, however, is that you can now tap your Visa to go anywhere TransLink takes you. Have a great day.”
Want to put your feet on seats? Think again. “Hello transit riders. Remember what your mom used to say: Please keep your feet off the furniture. And also remember: You can now tap your Visa to go anywhere TransLink takes you.”
TransLink has not announced locations of where Freeman’s voice can be heard, only to say it will be on six different bus routes and some SkyTrain stations, from June 4 to July 29.
For B.C. Lions fans, Freeman’s voice will also heard at the end of home games over the P.A. on June 8, June 16 and July 14.
TransLink launched tap payments on Tuesday, which will also support mobile wallets like Apple Pay. Visa and MasterCard are the credit cards accepted for single adult cash fares for buses and SkyTrain stations.
Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink, said in a statement, “Tap to Pay is about giving our customers more choices. If you’re an everyday transit user then you are going to want to keep using the Compass Card for its discounted rates. If you’re a visitor to Vancouver, or you’re going to a concert or sporting event and only ride transit on occasion, tapping a credit card or mobile wallet is a new option for you to get on our system quickly and easily – no ticket line ups and no need for cash.”
TransLink announced last month it would launch support for tap payments and mobile wallets, powered by the Visa Transit Solutions Program, which makes its first debut in Canada and North America, to bring contactless payments on mass transit.
You can listen to a sample track of Freeman and his TransLink work, below:
Here’s TransLink’s promo video showcasing their new tap payments:
Update May 24, 2018: After allegations of sexual harassment by Morgan Freeman, according to CNN, TransLink has decided to postpone Freeman’s announcements aboard transit in Metro Vancouver, telling media outlets in a statement:
“In light of information we’ve learned through news stories this morning of serious allegations against actor Morgan Freeman, TransLink has decided to pause his voice announcements as part of a VISA ad campaign on the transit system. We will be in touch with VISA to discuss further.”
