Back-to-school essentials for the transit rider
Back-to-school essentials for the transit rider
Taking transit is an easy, affordable, and sustainable way to travel. It’s also a great way to become more independent, and hone those critical life skills like time management and organization – some favourable traits that will benefit you this back-to-school season.
Much like your class schedule, transit follows a schedule too. Making a plan in advance so you know before you go is a great way to ensure you’ll arrive at school, on-time, and with everything you need.
Here are some back-to-school essentials for the transit rider to help you prepare:
1| Check out the Rider Guide
The Rider Guide is your one-stop-shop for how to get around Metro Vancouver on transit. It contains essential resources like safety features available on transit, and how to combine transit with biking or driving. So, bookmark translink.ca/rider-guide on your phone or desktop computer to find transit information quickly.
For further assistance, contact Customer Information by calling 604.953.3333 or tweet @TransLink.
2| Plan your trip using Trip Planner
Another handy tool to help you get around is our Trip Planner. A quick and easy way to find the best route to your school (and beyond!). Simply input where you’re coming from and where your destination is. Plan your trip on the fly or in advance by changing the date and time on “Depart at” or “Arrive by”.
You can also access our Trip Planner at several touch screen kiosks on our system, available at key SkyTrain stations, bus loops, West Coast Express stations, SeaBus terminals, and Park & Ride locations. These handy kiosks show live transit schedules, upcoming transit departures, and give system updates on the transit network.
3| Travel efficiently with a lanyard
Lanyards are a convenient accessory to store your Compass Card in. According to this poll, most people store their Compass Cards in their wallet. Save time at the fare gates, and avoid the hassle of grabbing your wallet every time you tap your Compass Card by using a lanyard. Take it out when you leave and keep it in your bag when you don’t need it. Make sure to get one with a card sleeve!
4| Try a Compass Mini or Wristband
If you prefer to store your Compass Card on a keychain or wear it on your wrist, try our Compass Wearables! They work just like regular a Compass Card.
5| Stay hydrated with a travel mug or water bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated while on transit and on campus, so grab one of our iconic transit themed water bottles, fill before you hop on onboard and take note of available water fountains or filling stations on campus.
Whether hot or cold, the TransLink Store has a great selection of travel mugs to help you reduce single-use waste, and maybe even save some pennies at the cashier!
6| Pack a lunch
Bringing your own lunch to school is a quick and easy way to save some cash while reducing single-use waste. Store your food in a lunch bag to keep your school supplies safe from any spills.
7| Be prepared with a tote bag
You never know what you may end up bringing home from school – class materials, leftover takeout, extra school supplies – so keep a tote bag handy in your locker or school bag. As they say, two bags are better than one, and your hands will thank you while you’re travelling on transit. Don’t forget, be a good transit user and take your backpack off while travelling on transit so everyone has a comfortable journey.
8| Maximize your downtime
One of the best things about taking transit is having that travel time to yourself! You don’t need to steer the wheel, pedal, or keep your eyes on the road all the time. Instead, you can use that time to listening to music or podcasts, reading your favourite book, watching videos, scrolling Instagram Reels, or even catching up on schoolwork.
Don’t forget, you are on a moving vehicle in a public space, so stay aware of your surroundings and be considerate of those around you.
Riding transit anywhere in our region gets easier with practice. If you equip yourself with the knowledge and essentials you need, and make constant effort to be organized, timely, and proactive, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
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