Hello Kitty transit cards sell out quickly, says TransLink
Posted April 4, 2026 3:05 pm.
Last Updated April 5, 2026 11:30 am.
Fans of Hello Kitty hoping to get their hands on a limited edition TransLink Compass Pass bearing the popular cartoon character’s image are out of luck.
In a collaboration with Sanrio, the transit authority released a series of cards with four different designs Saturday morning.
Dozens of Hello Kitty enthusiasts lined up at a special pop-up shop at Metrotown early in the morning, but the line was cut off early.
“We are now at capacity for our Hello Kitty and Friends Compass Card Launch!” TransLink posted on social media shortly before 11 a.m.
“Thank you to everyone who supported this special release.”
Cards sold out around 4 p.m.
“The bundles were only available in person at Metrotown,” a spokesperson told 1130 NewsRadio.
“There was a plan to sell them through the TransLink store, if any were left over, but they sold out at the pop-up event today.”
In addition to Compass Passes, it released other Hello Kitty-themed items Saturday morning.
“We were thrilled by the customer turnout for this limited-edition Compass release and appreciate the patience of everyone who waited in line to purchase their exclusive bundles,” the spokesperson said Sunday. “TransLink looks forward to more exciting collaborations like this in the future.”
While this is the first time it has collaborated with Sanrio, past releases include Captain Canuck, DC-Super Heroes, and Elf-themed Compass Cards.
Editor’s note: a previous version of this story had stated cards had been available online, but a spokesperson has clarified they were only available at the pop-up. In addition, the passes didn’t sell out immediately, but the line to buy them was cut off early.
