Kelowna City Council has unanimously supported a motion to explore the costs and implications of endorsing fare-free transit for youth up to the age of 18.
Currently, BC’s Get on Board program provides free transit to kids under 12-years-old and has been in place since fall 2021.
Coun. Gord Lovegrove, who initially hinted at the motion on April 8, said he’d like to see the program expanded.
“Transit access is key for youth to safely access activities, school, support services, health care, work, and more, especially for lower-income youth whose families may not have a vehicle, and the cost of a monthly transit pass for teens can be extremely challenging for working families already struggling with the high cost of living in Kelowna,” says Lovegrove’s motion.
“Encouraging students to use public transit can increase their independence and participation in employment and civic life, and can also help close the equity gap and reduce poverty.”
The motion also says offering transit to youth can incentivize public transit usage, reduce traffic, lower emissions and offer safer transit options for teens.
Lovegrove pointed to the decision made by the City of Penticton to offer free transit to youth under the age of 24 for the rest of 2024 as part of a pilot program.
He said that the school district has indicated that they are going to be submitting a letter of support for the motion.
Additionally, he said the city clerk had received correspondence from the Central Okanagan Advisory Council showing support for the program.
City staff will now gather all the necessary information and report back to council on the costs and implications of a pilot program.
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