No, TransLink in Vancouver is far from cash-only; it is one of the most flexible systems in North America. While buses still accept cash (exact change only), you can pay using a reloadable Compass Card, which offers discounted fares. Additionally, you can "Tap to Pay" directly at fare gates and on buses using contactless credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), debit cards, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you pay with cash on a bus, you receive a paper transfer for other buses, but it won't work on the SkyTrain or SeaBus. For those modes, you must use a Compass product or contactless payment. In 2026, the system continues to move toward a "paperless" future, encouraging travelers to use digital methods to avoid the $5 "AddFare" often applied at airport stations when buying single-use paper tickets.