What is a Compass Card?
The Compass Card is an innovative, plastic “smart card” designed to streamline and expedite fare collection. The embedded smart card technology allows riders to have their pass or fare validated by touching the card to a specially designed validator or fare box.
Compass Cards are replacing all paper monthly passes in the San Diego region to make boarding buses and trains faster and easier. Compass Cards will speed transaction times and allow buses and trains to keep better schedules.
How do I get a Compass Card?
Compass Cards are sold at Ticket Vending Machines at all rail platforms, the MTS Transit Store, and NCTD Transit Centers. You may order a Compass Card over the phone by calling 511 and say “Compass” or visit www.511sd.com to purchase or reload online.
MTS Transit Store
102 Broadway (corner of First Avenue)
Downtown San Diego, CA 92101
NCTD Corporate Office
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
810 Mission Ave.
Oceanside, CA 92054
NCTD Transit Centers
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m to 7 p.m.
313 S. Cleveland Street,
Oceanside CA 92054
Vista Transit Center
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(closed from 16th through the 24th each month)
240 N. Santa Fe Road
Vista, CA 92083
Escondido Transit Center
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
796 W. Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92025
Vons is the exclusive grocery store outlet for transit passes and Compass Cards. Starting this summer, Compass Cards will be available for purchase at select Vons locations. By fall 2009, all VONS stores will sell and reload Compass Cards.
How do I put a new pass or fare on a Compass Card?
As a monthly pass user, you will have several options to add a new pass or fare and ensure that your card is valid. The monthly pass can be reloaded at Ticket Vending Machines, the MTS Transit Store, NCTD Oceanside, Vista, and Escondido Transit Centers; online at www.511sd.com/compass or by calling 511 and saying "Compass." The Compass Card also can be tied to a credit or debit card for automatic reloading.
How do I use the Compass Card?
Simply touch the card to the target on the bus farebox or Compass Card validator on train platforms to validate your fare. Cardholders will be able to use the ticket vending machines at the stations to check card balance, to purchase or add passes, and to load cash value.
When can riders begin using the Compass Card?
The Compass Card system is being rolled out over the next four months. It is now available on MTS Premium Express buses and COASTER commuter trains for monthly passes.
The next phase will include BREEZE bus and SPRINTER train monthly pass holders. SPRINTER/BREEZE monthly passes will be on Compass Card by summer 2009. MTS Trolley and bus riders who purchase the Regional Pass will convert to Compass Card in July.
What is a Smart Card?
A Smart Card allows products and cash value to be stored on an embedded smart chip. It resembles a credit card in size and shape. Smart card is a general term that refers to any card employing this type of embedded technology. The Compass Card is the San Diego region’s specific brand of transit smart card.
Will the Compass Card replace cash?
No, cash can still be used to purchase single-trip tickets and one-day passes.
What types of fares will be stored on the Compass Card?
All monthly and day passes will be stored on the Compass Card. And, later this year, customers will be able to load cash value onto the smart card to pay as they go for a day pass or one-way fare on any service.
What are the benefits of using the Compass Card?
The Compass Card benefits riders in a number of ways. It simplifies taking transit by creating a seamless, universal way to pay fares. Riders don’t need to worry about carrying cash, searching for tokens, or handling flimsy paper tickets. No more trying to figure out the fare rules and transfer policies. Just Tap & Ride! Compass Cards will expedite passenger boarding.
The Compass Card is plastic and similar to a credit card in size. It is easy to use, easy to load, and easy to replace. You can register your Compass Card, so if it is lost, stolen, or damaged, the remaining balance can be transferred to a new card.
How much does a Compass Card cost?
Great news! For a limited time, the Compass Card is free! After that, customers will pay an administration fee, currently $2 per card (non-refundable). Once you have a card you can reload it as often as you want.
How and where can I use my Compass Card?
Compass Cards are accepted on all Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) fixed route buses, Trolley, COASTER and SPRINTER. On a bus, simply tap the card on the validator on the farebox when you board the bus and you are ready to enjoy your ride. For Trolley, COASTER or SPRINTER look for platform validators and then tap your Compass Card before boarding.
Do I have to tap on a validator every time I ride?
Yes. Visualize the Compass Card as the transit system’s virtual fare gate. You must tap your card every time you board a bus, before you board the COASTER, SPRINTER or Trolley and when transferring from one service to another. By tapping your Compass Card, you will keep your card valid and it will prevent you from getting a citation.
How do I board the bus using a Compass Card?
Riding the bus with Compass Card is easy. A validator is located on the farebox next to the driver. Simply tap your active Compass Card on the validator. There is a beep to indicate the pass has been accepted. The patron display also will advise you of the expiration date of the pass.
How do I use the Compass Card on the Trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER?
Validators are located at convenient spots on all rail platforms. Just tap the Compass Card on the validator prior to boarding the train. Passengers must tap each time they ride a train or transfer to other MTS or NCTD buses and trains.
Stored value use in COASTER zones will require a tap on/ tap off. The tap on will charge the maximum fare and the tap off will credit back the applicable amount.
When I tap my Compass Card, does it matter which way the card is facing?
No. The sensor in the card reader just needs to be about one inch from the card.
How do I know that my card is accepted when validated?
The smart card technology allows you to have your pass or fare validated by simply touching the Compass Card to the specially designed card validator. On rail validators a green light will flash and a “Thank You” message will be displayed. On buses, a single beep sound will indicate your card is accepted and three beeps mean not valid.
How do fare inspectors and conductors know my card has been validated?
Conductors and fare enforcement personnel have handheld units to conduct fare inspections. These units can verify if your card is valid and if you tapped before boarding.
What will fare inspectors and conductors do if they discover that my card was not properly validated before I board the train?
Initially fare inspectors will deliver a warning. However, in the future, citations will be issued for an invalid pass or improper use of the Compass Card.
How does stored value work?
When a Compass Card loaded with stored value is tapped, the default fare will be deducted from the balance of the card. Stored value can be used on all bus and rail service within the San Diego region.
How can I set up automatic reloads to my Compass Card?
Your Compass Card can be set up to automatically load new passes each month with a credit or debit card. It's the fastest, easiest way to make sure your card is ready to use when you need it. Simply call 511 and say “Compass” and a customer service center representative will assist you. If it is a monthly pass, the card will reload 5 days prior to the end of the month and charge the credit card once the pass is loaded. If the reload is for stored value, the appropriate amount will load to the Compass Card and the credit or debit card will be charged after the load has completed. The auto reload will remain active until the customer requests the service be discontinued.
How can I add a pass or cash value to my Compass card at a Ticket Vending Machine?
To add value, your transaction begins and ends with a touch of the Compass Card to the circular target on the Ticket Vending Machine. Simply tap the card and follow the instructions on the screen to add a pass or cash value to your card.
If I set up my Compass Card to auto reload, when will I be charged, and when will I be able to use my added value or new pass?
When you call 511 and set up auto reload, it will take 24 hours for it to become active. After that, the pass will load to your Compass Card 5 days prior to the end of the month. If you are loading value to your Compass Card, it will automatically reload the designated amount once the value falls below $7.00. Once the pass or value has been automatically loaded to your Compass Card, your credit or debit card will be charged the appropriate amount within 48 hours.
How do I register my Compass Card?
Call 511 and say “Compass” or visit www.511sd.com/compass. (The MTS Transit Store or NCTD Customer Service Centers do not have the ability to register Compass Cards.)
What if my card is lost, stolen or damaged?
If you have registered your Compass Card in advance, and it is lost, stolen or damaged, call 511 and say “Compass” Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Once you notify 511 that your Compass Card is lost, stolen, or damaged, your registered card will be turned off immediately. Once it is turned off, it cannot be reactivated or used again. If you have registered your Compass Card a replacement card, with your remaining balance at the time you notified the Customer Service Center, will be sent to you via mail.
What should I do if my card stops working?
If your Compass Card stops working, it may be either damaged or defective. Your card also may be blocked if it is being used fraudulently or if we have problems reloading your pass with your credit or debit card.
If your Compass Card is defective, through no fault of your own, and you have had it for less than a year, we will replace the defective card and restore your balance free of charge. If your Compass Card is damaged, however, you are responsible for the fees associated with a replacement card and restoration of your balance.
If your card stops working, call 511 and say “Compass” and a customer service center representative will assist you in getting a replacement.
What happens if the validator or farebox does not read my Compass Card or gives an error message?
Please call 511 and say “Compass” for assistance.
What should I do if my money is not added to my card?
Call 511 and say “Compass” during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and a customer service center representative will help.
What if I keep my Compass Card in my wallet next to a credit card, will it demagnetize?
Compass Cards contain no magnetic material and therefore cannot be demagnetized.
What if I carry another Smart Card in my wallet next to the Compass Card, will it still work?
Often, if there are two or more Smart Cards next to one another, neither one can be read. You may need to keep the Smart Cards separate from one another for both to function properly.
Are there different types of Compass Cards?
Yes. There are three different types of Compass Cards: Adult, Senior/ Disabled/Medicare, and Youth. A discounted college pass will become available in the future.
Can riders who use discounted passes use the Compass Card?
Yes. The Compass Card will conveniently serve as the fare medium for Senior/Disabled/Medicare discount passes and Youth passes. Riders who receive the discounted Senior/Disabled/Medicare fare can have their picture included on their Compass Card at the MTS Transit Store or one of the NCTD Transit Centers. There’s no need to carry both a discounted monthly pass AND a separate form of picture identification!
Can my Reduced Fare Identification card change to Compass?
Yes. All passengers can incorporate photo identification on the Compass Card.
Cards for those who qualify for reduced fares can be obtained at the MTS Transit Store in downtown San Diego at First Street & Broadway; at NCTD Transit Center Customer Service windows in Escondido, Vista, and Oceanside during normal business hours Monday - Friday.
I have a Senior/Disabled/Medicare regional monthly pass. Will I need to get a Compass Card?
Yes. As the monthly paper passes are eliminated – you will need to convert to a Compass Card.
I have a discounted college monthly pass. Will I need to get a Compass Card?
Yes. In the future, you will need a Compass Card. Information will be forthcoming.
What happens when I turn 18 if I have a Youth pass?
Youth cards are valid until the end of your 18th year. When you turn 19 years old, you will need to purchase a regular Adult pass. If you are enrolled in a local college offering a discount pass program, you may purchase that pass at the college or university (some restrictions apply, see your local school for details).
I have a Compass Card, and a personal care attendant travels with me. How does that work?
NCTD BREEZE buses and SPRINTER trains allow personal care attendants (PCAs), traveling with reduced fare ID cardholders with specially marked cards reading “PCA-yes” to ride free. The attendant is not eligible for a discount fare while traveling alone on MTS or NCTD transit services.
I still have questions about my discounted Compass Card. Where can I get help?
If your question is about the reduced fare products, contact your local transit agency by calling 511, and then say "transit" followed by the name of your local transit agency.
Will Compass Card work with employee transit benefit programs?
The Compass Card works with Commuter Check®, WageWorks® and other transit benefit providers. Talk to your human resources department or read about employee transit benefits online to learn more.
How much can I deduct as pre-tax benefits for using public transportation?
As part of the Federal stimulus approved by Congress in February 2009, the pre-tax benefit has been increased to $230 a month for transit. Check with your employer to determine if they offer such pre-tax benefits and if you are eligible to participate.
How can the Compass Card be used with an employee transit benefit program?
Whether you receive paper vouchers, commuter debit cards or redeem your transit benefits online, you can use your benefits to add value to your Compass Card. Currently, Compass Card works with a variety of transit benefit programs.
If your transit benefit provider offers a commuter card (a pre-paid debit card that acts like a credit card), you can use it with the Compass Card even if your specific provider is not listed above. Since the commuter card acts like a credit card, you can use your commuter card to purchase a monthly pass and put it on your Compass Card at any Ticket Vending Machine.
If you don't use a commuter card, or see your transit benefit program listed here, please check back later to see what benefit providers have been added. You can also ask your benefits administrator or human resources manager at your workplace about adding the Compass Card to your benefits program.
Can I use my transit benefit debit card to set up an auto load for my Compass Card?
No. You must use a regular credit or debit card to set up an auto load for your Compass Card.
My transit benefit program told me they sent you the money. Why isn't it on my Compass Card?
Due to the time required to process the transit benefit orders, there is a gap between the time that orders are sent from the various transit benefit companies and when the Compass Card system uploads passes to cards. Your value should be available by the first day of the benefit month, and you must tap your card on a validator on the bus or rail platform in order for it to load the value. If you do not receive your transit benefit value by the first day of the benefit month, please contact our customer service center representative by calling 511 and say “Compass.”
Does the Compass Card have an expiration date?
Yes. The Compass Card, although durable, will expire 5 years from the date of issue.
Is the Compass Card transferable?
No. The Compass Card is nontransferable. Each rider must have his/her own card.
Do Compass Cards need special care?
Yes. Compass Cards have a tiny computer chip and antenna inside the card. Bending the card, puncturing, or sending it through the washing machine or dryer can damage the card’s ability “to communicate” with the validators. Once you have a card, treat it with care and it will last.
To store the Compass Card keep it in your wallet or purse like other credit cards. However, unlike traditional credit cards, they don’t become de-magnetized. If you carried your paper pass in a plastic pouch on a lanyard, you can do the same with the Compass Card--it can be read through the plastic.
What about my personal information, will it be shared with marketing companies or other organizations?
No. We will not sell or disclose your personal information without your written consent, unless required to do so by law. Please view the SANDAG Privacy Policy on www.sandag.org regarding the way personal information is handled.
Do other cities in the country use Compass Cards?
Yes. Atlanta, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC are using similar smart card technology for their transit systems.
If I find my Compass Card after reporting it lost or stolen, can it be reactivated?
A Compass Card will not be reactivated once reported lost or stolen.
Can people who are sight impaired use Ticket Vending Machines to obtain Compass Cards or add value?
Some sight impaired passengers may be entitled to special fares. By visiting the MTS Transit Store or a NCTD customer service center, individuals may apply for a reduced fare ID card. If you already possess a reduced fare ID card, the card can be converted to a Compass Card reduced fare ID. The Ticket Vending Machines are equipped with an audio button and earphone jack making it easier to load value on the Compass Card. A phone call to the 511 customer service center can set up an automatic reload through your credit or debit card.
How do I order a Compass Card online?
To order online, visit the Transit eStore at www.511sd.com.
I still have questions about my Compass Card. Where can I get help?
Call the Compass Card Customer Service Center at: 511 and say “Compass,” visit www.511sd.com/compass or e-mail: compasscard@sandag.org.
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