Pictured L to R: Kim Lamb (Transdev Canada), Olivia Fryia, Adam Fryia (Transdev Canada), Allie Frizzell (BC Transit), Taylor Watson (BC Transit), Tricia Pokorny (CNIB) and Jiggs, Chadwick Green (Transdev Canada)
On May 21, the Cowichan Valley School District Vision Team held a special Traffic Safety for Students with Low Vision event. BC Transit, our operating partner Transdev Canada, and a member of the Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) played an important role in ensuring these students left feeling more confident in their ability to take the bus.
The school district’s hands-on learning day for students and their families was hosted by the Municipality of North Cowichan at their Operations Department. The event was broken down into four sections.
Signs, Lines and Lights – students rotated through a closeup, tactile station on traffic control systems and road safety.
Pedestrian and Cycling Safety – an RCMP officer covered safe walking/biking skills and how to communicate with drivers.
BC Transit – we provided a bus tour and went over riding safety, boarding, priority seating, announcements, and requesting stops.
Traffic Sign Bingo – a fun wrap‑up activity where students identified signs to fill their cards.
The BC Transit portion of the day really displayed our great partnerships. BC Transit’s Allie Frizzell (Youth Outreach Coordinator) and Taylor Watson (Education and Training Advisor, Youth Programs) were joined by Tricia Pokorny (Canadian National Institute of the Blind Foundation) and her guide dog Jiggs. Transdev’s Kim Lamb and Chadwick Green brought the bus and were there to help answer any questions from students.
Allie and Taylor led the presentation, with Tricia and Jiggs walking students through what boarding looks like for a frequent rider with low vision and a guide dog.
“Tricia and Jiggs were really great. Together they showed how a guide dog team boards and exits the bus, communicates with Operators, and shared real‑life strategies for navigating transit safely,” said Taylor Watson. “Overall, the students were engaged, the setup worked smoothly, and it was a strong opportunity to reinforce safe, confident transit use.”
Tricia’s background added a lot of credibility and context for the students. She is a tremendous advocate that sits on several accessibility committees, including:
- CNIB Foundation
- BC Transit Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee
- City of Victoria Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Government of BC Employment Accessibility Standards Technical Committee
Transdev Canada was also thrilled to take part in the day, and for General Manager of Transit in the Cowichan Valley Adam Fryia, who attended with his daughter Olivia, the event held significant personal meaning.
“My daughter has low vision due to Achromatopsia and Nystagmus, and since she was little, we have participated in low vision clinics throughout the province. Having the opportunity to directly support a low vision clinic with BC Transit was truly an honour, knowing firsthand the comfort, support, and reassurance these clinics provide to children and families.”
Community outreach opportunities like the Traffic Safety for Students with Low Vision event held by the Cowichan School District are great for reducing barriers and answering questions that more vulnerable members of society might have with taking transit. And having their family members attend ensured that loved ones are also building some trust and confidence in public transit. Huge thanks to everyone involved for their collaboration and making it happen!