Public transit is now free for all children 12 and under in BC.
This will save families money, increase access to affordable transportation and encourage more people to use public transit.
Children aged 12 and under can now “Get on Board” any BC Transit or TransLink service free of charge anywhere in the province.
This includes buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and the West Coast Express.
Anyone who typically buys fares or monthly bus passes for children 12 and under no longer needs to do so.
“A family that buys their child a $57/monthly TransLink pass for a year would save over $687, while savings on a BC Transit children’s pass, at an average cost of $35 per month, would add up to $420 a year,” Province said.
It’s estimated that approximately 370,000 children aged 12 and under across BC are eligible to ride public transit free of charge.
The program also supports active transportation options for children and families, as transit users are more likely to walk or cycle to the nearest bus stop.
“I’m thrilled to be here to celebrate the start of free transit for children 12 and under,” said Minister Fleming.
“This is a landmark achievement for free public transit in this province and an important part of our government’s commitment to provide safe, reliable and affordable public transit for B.C. families. We promised to introduce free transit for children 12 and under and today we’re fulfilling that commitment.”
