Children aged 12 and under can ride BC Transit buses for free. No fare, card, or ID is needed. This provincial program makes it easier for families to get around while supporting affordable and sustainable transportation.
Who can ride free
Ages 6 to 12: Can ride fixed-route and handyDART buses for free, unaccompanied.
Ages 5 and under: Ride free when accompanied by someone aged 12 or older. They must board and get off at the same stop as their guardian.
BC Transit supports the Province of BC’s Free Transit for Children 12 and Under program. We are committed to helping families travel safely, affordably, and conveniently across British Columbia.
Learn more about the provincial program at gov.bc.ca/kids-getonboard.
Our BusReady program helps kids and families learn how to ride the bus safely and confidently. Visit busready.bctransit.com for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program applies to all BC Transit systems across the province. This includes fixed-route, custom, paratransit, community, commuter, and Health Connections services.
Children aged 6 to 12 can ride for free on their own. Children aged 5 and under must travel with someone aged 12 or older and get on and off at the same stop.
Parents and guardians decide whether their child is ready to travel alone and are responsible for their child’s safety and care while using transit.
If an Operator believes a child is too young to ride alone or appears in distress, they will keep the child safely on board and call for assistance.
No. Children aged 12 and under do not need to show ID or a fare product. BC Transit relies on the honour system, and riders aged 13 and older are expected to pay a fare. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their children have a fare product when needed.
Yes. Children aged 6 to 12 can ride handyDART for free without a fare product. Children aged 5 and under ride free when accompanied by an attendant. Customers still need to apply for handyDART service, but there is no fee to apply.
Please contact the Umo call centre at 1-877-380-8181 to find out if you are eligible for a refund.
Bikes: You can bring a bike and place it on the front bike rack. Learn more about bikes on buses.
Scooters: Foldable scooters are welcome. Please fold them before boarding and keep them with you to avoid blocking the aisle.
Yes. Visit the BusReady website for videos and activities that teach kids how to take transit safely and independently.
No. School districts are still responsible for providing school bus transportation for students who live farther from school or do not have access to transit. The Free Transit for Children 12 and Under program complements school buses by giving families another travel option.
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.
