Token Talk with our token explorer Duff Malkin
UBC Transit Passes + Some tips for Transit collectors
Q When did UBC Bus passes start
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Duff > I may be wrong but I think the first UBC period (i.e. valid for a long period of time) bus passes originated in 1978. These were laminated passes which were good for a term at UBC. I believe they cost 78 dollars but this was a bargain for four months. On the very first day one was required to present it and ones Alma Mater Society card as proof in order to get on a bus, but the bus drivers just waived that obligation aside and from then on all one needed was the bus pass.
It was valid at all times all over. There were four types (yellow first term, purple second term, counterstamped in red ink M and F denoting sex of card holder). The next year they went to a monthly paper pass which was supposed to be placed in a small plastic folder along with photocard i.d.. Almost all the ones I bought, received or found are in collector’s hands.
Q What changes with the new Compass Card ?
Duff > With the coming of the Compass Card, the period of the university or tertiary education transit cards may be ending as of May 31st, 2015. Because the cards may be reloadable it could be harder to obtain such for people’s collections. So therefore some clues to transit collectors.
DUFF’S CLUES FOR COLLECTOR’S
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1) Make your interest in collecting the same generally as widely known as it is possible for one to do. Transit stuff is not generally too valuable, many people receive some, and it is quite possible you will get stuff thrown your way by one or two individuals or three. Sometimes they will even get material from other people just because you could be of use to them or in the family.
2) Doing such makes more and more people aware that the items are collectible and therefore they will be more inclined to save or collect them too.
3) Write stuff up for various journals that have some kind of connection to the items you collect.
4) Hit the flea markets. Avoid buying items that are such as the BC Electric A token in a display case under lock and key and priced at 5 dollars and which are described as “rare”.
5) If possible develop transit collections with people involved in transit or transit related operations (i.e. people who sell the stuff).
The key thing is to promote, promote and promote.
