After 26 years of operating the Expo line, the SkyTrain will be getting turnstiles and electronic fare cards. I was a little surprised upon coming here in 1996 that the entire system was basically on a gigantic honour system. There are simply signs indicating a "Fare Paid" point at each station. With transit staff seldom anywhere in sight, the boarding was pleasant but the whole concept a little naive.
All that's changing to the tune of millions in retrofits. Alas, my particular building has access directly to the station. Previously, it was possible to use the passage to quickly reach Columbia Street, our downtown's main-drag. After the construction is complete, I'll no longer be able walk through without a transit pass. It's okay for me, but using the front of the building necessitates a walk down a very steep incline. There are some elderly in the building who are going to be terribly inconvenienced.