Children 12 and younger will be able to ride any BC Transit or TransLink service for free, starting Sept. 1.
“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.”
It is estimated that approximately 370,000 children 12 and under throughout B.C. will be eligible to ride for free when the program is launched, according to the province. This also supports sustainable and active transportation options for children and families in all regions.
“We are excited to launch a program that will benefit parents and caregivers and make life more affordable for families across B.C.,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure. “As we rebuild transit systems and ridership after the pandemic, this new program will encourage people to get onboard with the potential to save families hundreds of dollars every year.”
To help build awareness for the upcoming launch of this program, the ministry of transportation and infrastructure has released an official logo featuring the slogan “Get on Board – Kids 12 and Under Ride Free.”
TransLink and BC Transit will incorporate the province-wide “Get on Board – Kids 12 and Under Ride Free” branding into their marketing materials to raise awareness as the program moves forward. Depending on the mode of public transit and service provider (TransLink or BC Transit), there are slight differences in the program’s initial rollout, the province said.
“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.”
