Vancouver council backs free transit for youths
VANCOUVER The campaign for free transit for everyone under 18 is moving into other cities and municipalities in the region after a vote by Vancouver city council to support the idea.
The motion, proposed by Coun. Jean Swanson, requests TransLink to “immediately and without delay amend existing bylaws and cease ticketing all minors for fare evasion as the first step toward the full implementation of free transit for children and youth” up to 18 years of age.
As well, the motion also calls on TransLink to look at sources of funding and develop a plan for a sliding scale of reduced transit fares based on income and adopt an overall poverty reduction mandate.
Vancouver council approved the motion in support of the #AllOnBoard campaign late Wednesday night.
In its final form, the motion called on the federal government to reinstate the 15-per-cent federal tax credit on transit passes and consider making the tax credit refundable.
In 2017, the Liberals eliminated the tax credit which had been introduced to encourage people to use public transit.
Vancouver now joins Port Moody and New Westminster in supporting the #AllOnBoard campaign.
Swanson said she was pleased with council’s support. Now, the city’s support of free transit for youths and a sliding fare scale based on income goes to regional bodies such as the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation and the provincial government.
“It shows that lots of people support it,” Swanson said.
“I haven’t received anything but positive feedback on it. I think it will be difficult for them to ignore.”
Viveca Ellis, the campaign’s coordinator, said she was extremely happy with council’s vote.
“It is clear that Vancouver city council supports this big, bold vision for the transit system that we need in Metro Vancouver,” said Ellis.
Ellis said the campaign will be seeking the support of other regional cities and municipalities, including Burnaby, the City of North Vancouver, Richmond and Port Coquitlam.