Families with young children could see savings of up to $420 a year as B.C. Transit eliminates fares for children 12 and under starting Sept. 1.
The provincial government says about 370,000 children across B.C. will be eligible. Youth passes on the Island range in cost from $35 a month in Campbell River to $45 a month in Greater Victoria.
Initially, the program will operate as an honour system, with no passes issued or identification needed, but the plan is to eventually introduce a pass.
The change is expected to save the City of Victoria about $175,000 a year on its youth U-Pass program, which sees the city purchase and distribute passes for free to Victoria youth ages six to 18.
“I am grateful that the government showed leadership in promoting transit ridership,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. “I would like to think that they were influenced by the City of Victoria’s U-Pass program.”
Unlike the provincial program, the city’s U-Pass requires applicants to provide proof of residency and age. Upon acceptance, they are issued with a picture identification valid only until the end of the year.
Both levels of government tout free transit programs as a cleaner way of getting around — one that helps the environment by getting people out of their cars.
“Providing safe, reliable and affordable public transportation is our top priority, and we support this program to help families get around more affordably,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO of B.C. Transit.
“This is a great opportunity to grow young ridership, create lifelong transit users and further reduce congestion on our roads.”
