TransLink ‘open’ to idea of free transit for youth

Metro Vancouver’s transit authority is open to offering free public transportation for the region’s children and youths.

However, TransLink would first need to find a way to recover the millions of dollars lost in annual fare revenue if such an initiative were undertaken.

“TransLink is open to starting a dialogue on the idea of free transit for kids,” said spokesman Chris Bryan.

This week, Seattle city council unanimously voted to provide free transit passes to Seattle public high school students.

The move had transit and transportation experts and advocates talking, including members of a new coalition called #AllOnBoard that is advocating for “affordable and accessible transit based on income,” including free transit for youth 18 years old and younger.

Currently children aged five to 13 and youths 14 to 18 years old who have proper identification ride transit for a discounted rate.

Patti Bacchus, the former chair of Vancouver’s board of education, said that during her eight years as a trustee she often heard from teachers, parents and students who told her the cost of transit was a barrier to young people getting to school and other activities.

“I think it’s a really exciting idea and I would say now more than ever it’s a critical issue,” she said.

Recommendations from the latest phase of TransLink’s ongoing fare review include expanding discounts for children and youth, but only if they are funded by senior levels of government.