Fall transit schedules come into effect on Sunday, coupled with the launch of a new program offering free transit for youth aged 13 to 18 years old across the Regional District. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

annual passes

Free youth ridership program begins across RDN Transit system

Sep 6, 2026 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — All youth across the mid-Island will ride for free on transit, beginning this weekend.

A program approved by the Regional District of Nanaimo Board in April will see free annual Umo passes made available for youth aged 13 to 18, for an initial period of two years, beginning Sunday, Sept. 6.

It’s expected the move will help around 8,000 youth in Nanaimo and Oceanside more easily access transit options to get where they need to go.

The program also runs in conjunction with a B.C. wide initiative which provides free transit for anyone aged 12 and under.

More information on the transit passes can be obtained through the RDN website, or at a number of in-person information sessions at Oceanside Place, the Nanaimo Ice Centre or Woodgrove Centre throughout early September.

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Sunday’s launch of the pass program coincides with fall schedules on local buses coming back into effect.

Beginning Sunday, eight routes will have adjusted schedules to include either a full resumption of service, or an increased number of trips to accommodate school traffic.

Trips with an ‘S’ designation in the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit system will return along Route 5 Fairview, Route 6 Harewood, Route 15 VIU/Woodgrove, Route 20 Hammond Bay, Route 20A Dover, Route 30 NRGH, and Route 40 VIU Express.

Service is also due to return along Route 92 Hammond Bay.

Updated schedules and trip planning are available through the BC Transit website.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Free youth ridership program begins across RDN Transit system

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