BC Transit and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, in collaboration with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), are announcing the temporary extension of the Refugee Pass Program until December 31, 2022.
The Refugee Pass Program provides refugees in the Greater Victoria region temporary free transit for a one-year period to help support their transition to a new community. The Program was implemented in late 2015 to support an influx of incoming refugees to the community. On a monthly basis, a pre-determined quantity of monthly passes are delivered to the ICA, who then distribute the passes to incoming refugees. BC Transit and the ICA administer the program together.
Since 2016, this program has distributed more than 8,300 adult monthly passes and 4,600 youth/senior monthly passes for a total of more than 12,900 monthly transit passes. The extension until the end of 2022 helps continue supporting new refugees by providing barrier-free access to transit for a one-year period.
For more information on fares, routes and schedules, please check your Rider’s Guide or visit bctransit.com/Victoria for details.
Quotes below.
Quotes:
Erinn Pinkerton, President & CEO, BC Transit:
“BC Transit is proud to continue supporting this program and help new Canadians transition to our community by providing temporary free access to public transit. Calling a new country home comes with many challenges, and we want to do our part and help make their transition a little bit easier. Whether it’s helping these newcomers get safely to a new job, their school or to access resources, we recognize the important role transit has in helping them settle in to our thriving community.”
Susan Brice, Chair, Victoria Regional Transit Commission:
“This program is a proven success in helping assist with an ongoing need for resources for new Canadians in our community, and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission is pleased to approve its extension once again. This collaborative effort between BC Transit, the Commission and the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria helps new Canadians create those important connections within the community by making transit the most accessible and convenient choice.”
Jean McRae, CEO, Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria:
“As the cost of living in the Capital Regional District climbs, the bus pass program for refugees becomes even more important. From their first days of arrival, we can help them build the independence to navigate their new community, get their children to school, and for parents to get to English classes and their first Canadian jobs. The program really highlights what a welcoming community we are.”
Sam and Hanadi, recipients of the program
“I just want to thank you very much for Refugee Bus Pass Program that helped me and my wife navigating for a whole year. It was very helpful and we are very grateful for that. Thank you.”
