In just three weeks time, children under 12 will be able to ride any BC Transit or Translink service for free starting on September 1.
This “Get on Board” plan is the provincial government's commitment to providing affordable transit for families.
A normal children's monthly Translink pass costs about $57, by allowing for transit to be free families can save more than $687 dollars a year, and the savings on a BC Transit childrens pass costs an average $35 per month, adds up to $420 a year in savings.
“Free transit for children 12 and under makes life more affordable for families,” said Premier John Horgan. “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.”
It’s estimated that approximately 370,000 children 12 and under, throughout BC will benefit from this program launch.
“This initiative will create lifelong transit riders, build better, more inclusive and sustainable communities and move us all further along the pathway to cleaner and stronger British Columbia,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Minister Responsible for TransLink. “More people choosing public transit means fewer vehicles on the road, reduced traffic congestion and cleaner air for everyone.”
Unaccompanied children aged six to 12 will be able to ride buses and HandyDART for free, without requiring a fare product or identification, but BC Transit will require children aged five and under to be accompanied by a person 12 or older.
Read more on the “Get on Board”program here.
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