The Regional District of Nanaimo is working on a plan to allow those 18 years of age or younger to ride a BC Transit bus free of charge. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

free ride

‘An investment in the future:’ RDN working to make bus rides free for youth

Mar 20, 2026 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is working on a plan to make BC Transit bus rides free of charge for anyone 18 years old and younger.

During the Tuesday, March 17, RDN Committee of the Whole meeting, board members received a report on the logistics of no bus fares for approximately 8,000 local youth, based on available secondary school population numbers.

Grade twelve student Japleen Kaur said free transportation for youth would make it easier for them to get to school, look for work, participate in extracurricular activities, and fully participate in their community.

“Accessible transit will help teens build lifelong habits. If students start using transit now, they’re more likely to use it instead of cars in the future, and building these habits in youth is really important. These benefits will grow even more as RDN transitions its fleet into electric buses, reducing the overall emissions.” 

Kaur was part of a delegation of several Dover Bay Secondary School students who pitched the idea to the board, armed with data from their fellow students, as well as input and support from other students in the district.

free ride

'An investment in the future:' RDN working to make bus rides free for youth

2h ago

Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove parking/safety concerns remain on government radar

15h ago

first step

Cath lab planning commences after Nanaimo hospital district push pays off

18h ago

The Board would review the program after two years.

A 30-day bus pass for youth ages 13-18 currently costs $45.00, with transit already free for children under 12.

Students Dyna Paikada, YiHang Li, Lincy John, Selina Ma and Japleen Kaur represented the work of Dover’s Student Council, Student Voice Circle, Eco Club and Model UN on the free transit initiative, presenting to the Jan. 27 RDN board meeting. (Image Credit: Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools)

Kaur said a majority of the students they spoke with still rely on parents for rides, and students reported missing classes when they’re unable to find a ride.

She said while free transit for youth would come at a cost, the long-term benefits of reducing financial barriers for families and increasing youth opportunities will outweigh any short-term cost.

“The Staff report mentions the lost revenue from about 6,000 bus passes that might not be purchased, but in reality, many of these passes aren’t being bought today,” Kaur said. “Instead of lost revenue, this is an investment in the future. By building transit habits among our youth now, we are creating future riders and future revenue, which wouldn’t exist otherwise.”

Chief Administrative Officer Doug Holmes said it’s difficult to determine potential lost revenue if youth no longer have to pay, as it would depend on the number of youth taking part, and the number of youth riders is not currently tracked.

He said their operational reserves would act as a “cushion” for now, with the program folded into their regular transit budget, if it becomes permanent.

The RDN did look at other B.C. communities which implemented a free fare program for youth, including Victoria, Penticton, and Kingston, ON.

A 2025 report from the Limestone District School Board in Kingston said it generated nearly 200,000 additional youth transit rides annually, resulting in environmental benefits, time saved by caregivers, and 16,000 fewer school absences.

“If we can grow future riders, I think that’s a great thing to do,” Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek said. “It’s also good for the environment, and our youth are going to pick up a lot of bills from us, from our national debt, provincial debt, so let’s give em a free ride at least until they have to pay taxes and start looking after our healthcare system.”

RDN staff will prepare a report detailing the implementation and financial implications, which will be reviewed at a future meeting before final approval.

Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook