Squamish council will consider a series of transit fare changes and new pass programs at its Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, September 9.
The District of Squamish staff report recommends council adopt “Option 2” of BC Transit’s proposed fare adjustments, which would increase the single-ride fare from $2 to $2.50 starting in January 2026. Monthly passes would rise to $50 for adults, while student and senior concession passes would be set at $35.
According to the report, the fare changes are needed to keep pace with inflation since the last review in 2017 and to help cover rising operating costs. Local government costs for transit have increased by approximately 145% over the past eight years, largely due to service expansions, it notes.
Staff estimate Option 2 would bring in an additional $92,000 in annual revenue. One alternative, offering free rides to youth aged 13 to 18, would result in a $127,000 revenue loss and require an additional bus and 1,500 service hours, costing $150,000. The report notes this would create a net budget impact of $277,000. “Free fares for ages 13–18 could potentially be reconsidered once major transit expansions are in place,” the report states.
Two new fare programs are also proposed. The ProPass program would allow employees to purchase discounted monthly passes through payroll deductions, while the EcoPass would enable developers, employers, or agencies to pre-purchase bulk transit credits for residents or clients.
Nationally, the average single-ride fare across Canada was $3.50 in 2023, according to CUTA. By comparison, Squamish’s last fare increase in 2017 set the single ride at $2, which inflation-adjusted would equal about $2.52 in 2025, the report notes. If approved, the new fare structure and programs would take effect in January 2026. Staff will work with BC Transit to implement the changes and review the effectiveness of the new programs after one year.
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