The RDN and BC Transit are pleased with how a new free service for children 12-years-old and younger is working. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

youth movement

‘There are many new riders:’ free public transit for youth deemed highly successful

Oct 30, 2023 | 5:36 AM

NANAIMO — Encouraging young people to use public transit is a goal seemingly coming to fruition thanks to a program now in its third year.

Since the province launched Free Transit for Children 12 and Under on Sept. 1, 2021, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has seen strong uptake among youth transit riders.

Darren Marshall, senior manager of transportation services, said, the program has been well received.

“Although we don’t have statistical data, it is being reported by bus operators that there are many new riders on the Regional District of Nanaimo’s transit system.”

Children viewed by transit operators to be 12-years-old or younger can use any conventional or handyDART bus service free of charge and without providing identification, with Marshall noting transit operators use their discretion to discern riders are of the appropriate age.

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Riders five years-old and younger must be accompanied on transit services by somebody who’s at least 12-years-old.

Marshall said their buses on school routes have noticeably more youth riders taking advantage of the program.

“We’ve welcomed all these new riders and hopefully life-long riders,” he said.

Providing financial savings for families was a motivating factor the province cited in unveiling the initiative.

Marshall said there are other residual impacts that free transit for younger riders is leading to.

“We’re going to see less congestion in the region and we’re going to reach climate action goals with reduced carbon emissions and riders will experience an increase in transit service.”

A BC Transit statement to NanaimoNewsNOW categorized Free Transit for Children 12 and Under as a huge success.

“At BC Transit we take pride in providing safe and affordable public transportation people can rely on, and the Free Transit for Children 12 and Under program will continue to help grow young ridership…”

A new BC Transit Bus Ready resource educates children and their guardians on safely using public transportation.

Free Transit for Children 12 and Under applies to all BC Transit offered services throughout the province, including SkyTrain, Seabus and West Coast Express options provided by TransLink on the Lower Mainland.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes