VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The free ride is over for many that use transit around the Lower Mainland.

TransLink is discontinuing a number of programs that offer discounts to its customers.

TransLink says these programs have served their purpose, with ridership going up 84 per cent and service hours increasing 50 per cent over the past 10 years.

“This is about equity and fairness in the system,” says Bob Paddon, TransLink’s executive vice president, strategic planning and public affairs. “We took a good, hard look at our programs to determine which ones still make sense. We found some programs benefited a select few people and companies.”

“We now move more than a million trips a day on our system,” says Paddon. “Our incentive programs did their job. In the interest of fairness and efficiency for the overall system, it’s now time to dial back on some of our discount programs.”

Vancouver City Councillor Adriane Carr says it’s the wrong way to go.

“What we need to be doing is moving people onto transit and using every single tool and means available to get people to willingly leave their cars behind.”

Fellow Vancouver City Councillor Andrea Reimer tweeted “It’s almost like they don’t want us to take transit.”

Programs that will be changed and/or discontinued:

– Employer Pass Program effective January 1, 2014. This program provided an extra 15 per cent discount to members and required a 12-month commitment. Customers can continue to purchase monthly passes.

– FareSaver tickets will begin transitioning out as early as January 1, 2014. A discount on regular fares will be provided within the new stored value option for Compass Cards.

– Free travel for family members of monthly pass holders on Sundays and holidays effective January 1, 2014.

– West Coast Express 7-day pass effective January 1, 2014. Existing ticket machines will begin transitioning out in November.

– West Coast Express 28-day pass effective January 1, 2014. Customers will be able to purchase a calendar monthly pass. Existing ticket machines will begin transitioning out in November.

– West Coast Express $1 fee for bikes. Customers on West Coast Express can now transport bicycles for free.