Children 12 and under will be able to get on any BC Transit or TransLink service for free starting on September 1st.
According to B.C. Government officials, the move will help make public transit more accessible and affordable for families.
“Taking public transit is a great choice. It offers a cleaner, low-carbon way of getting around that works for people, communities and the environment. The ‘Get on Board’ program will also encourage a new generation of transit riders,” said Premier John Horgan.
Bus fares and passes will no longer have to be purchased for children. This will save families $57 a month for TransLink passes and an average of $35 a month for BC Transit users with children 12 and under.
“As we rebuild transit systems and ridership after the pandemic, this new program will encourage people to get on board with the potential to save families hundreds of dollars every year,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Children 12 and under will be able to ride without identification or an accompanying fare-paying customer. However, BC Transit will require children under five years old to be accompanied by someone 12 or older.