Free Transit for Children 12 and Under:
Frequently Asked Questions
At BC Transit, providing safe and affordable public transportation that people can rely on is our top priority. We support the Province in their plan to help families get around more affordably by making transit free for children up to and including age 12.
Key benefits hoped to be realized by the Province, BC Transit and our partners from this program include:
- Increased ridership amongst this age demographic
- The opportunity to create riders for life and impact our ridership lifecycle positively
- Positive transit brand impact given the program decreases financial barriers to access
- Incentivize families to use transit together to build-back ridership following COVID-19
We will continue working closely with our provincial and local government partners on this program to ensure it meets provincial requirements while also providing safe travel for our customers.
What BC Transit Systems does this program apply to?
This program applies to all BC Transit systems across the province including conventional, custom, paratransit, community, commuter systems and Health Connections buses.
At what age will passengers be allowed to access the bus unaccompanied?
BC Transit acknowledges that the delivery of this program may result in an increase in unaccompanied children using transit. Children aged 5 and under are required to travel with someone 12 or over in order to ride the bus. BC Transit is responsible for ensuring that transit services are delivered safely, and unaccompanied children were given full consideration in the design of this program.
While travel for children 12 and under is free, parents and guardians are responsible for educating and making decisions about the safety and care of their children whenever traveling on transit. This includes when children are traveling unaccompanied and determining if their children can or should take transit unaccompanied.
What will drivers do if a child they feel is under 5 gets on alone?
If an operator determines that a child is in distress due to age, behavior, injury or circumstance they are expected to call for assistance and allow the child to remain on the bus and in a location close to the driver.
Will drivers be enforcing this and checking for ID of youth passengers?
Phase 1 does not require the presentation of a fare product or valid ID. BC Transit is carrying out an educational campaign for the public prior to implementation, and more details will be made available at that time. Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles. They are directed to report fare violations to supervisors as appropriate. We appreciate customers bringing any challenges they face to our attention, especially as the program gets underway.
Does this program impact handyDART service?
Children aged 6 to 12 will be able to ride buses and handyDART for free, without requiring a fare product. Children 5 and under will be able to ride handyDART for free with an attendant. Customers have to apply, at no charge, for handyDART services.
I unnecessarily bought a bus pass for my child, where can I go to get a refund?
In Victoria, customers must come to the BC Transit office at 520 Gorge Road for refunds, and not to the point of purchase. In all other systems, our local government partners are responsible for managing refunds. Please refer to your BC Transit community website for local government contact details for potential refunds.
Can I bring my bike or scooter on the bus?
BC Transit encourages active transportation, and integrating it into our services. You can bring your bike to the bus and place it on the bike rack, click here to learn more. You can bring your foldable scooter on the bus, but it must be folded prior to boarding the bus and kept it in front of you while sitting or standing to ensure it does not block the way for other passengers.
Are there any additional resources or educational materials for children and families riding the bus for the first time?
If you are new to taking the bus, please click here to visit our educational web page and find additional resources and tips on appropriate bus etiquette.
Does this mean local school districts can decrease school bus service levels in my community?
School districts are responsible for providing school bus services for students living further distances from school, including those who do not have access to transit services that connect with their schools. The free transit program is expected to complement existing school bus services used by children 12 and under, providing another option for children for travel to and from school.
