Free transit for kids -Back to school

This month, just in time for back to school, children aged 12 and under can start using BC Transit and TransLink for free with the Get on Board program. This includes travelling on buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and the West Coast Express. Free transit for kids saves families money, promotes green transportation, gives people options to get around, and attracts new riders. Approximately 370,000 children will be eligible to ride for free, and families who regularly purchase monthly passes will save between $420-$687 annually per child. “Free transit for children 12 and under makes life more affordable for families,” said Premier John Horgan. “Taking public transit is a great choice. It offers a cleaner, lowcarbon way of getting around that works for people, communities and the environment.” If you’re onboard with saving families money with free transit for children 12 and under, show your support by adding your name.

Back to school

Students of all ages head back to school on Tuesday, September 7. As we continue to fight the pandemic, mental health is an important focus for school districts.

To help support students and staff, our BC NDP government has invested $5 million in pandemic-related mental health programs and supports in schools.

“While we know families and students are looking forward to being back at school, we recognize there is some anxiety about what it will look like. We need to have programs and services for students and staff,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. Keeping people healthy is also a top priority, which is why masks are required in shared spaces in schools. Kindergarten to grade 12 staff must wear masks, as do students in grades 4 to 12. Masks for younger students are also recommended, but not required. Wearing masks helps reduce transmission and help keep school communities safe and healthy.

At colleges and universities, students must wear masks in indoor public areas on campus, including lobbies, halls, stairways, elevators, classrooms and labs. On-campus indoor venues like gyms and restaurants, as well as sporting events and concerts, will require proof of vaccination, and students who live on campus also need to show they’ve been vaccinated.

Students aged 12 and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, and are encouraged to visit a walk in clinic for a shot.

Source: mail.google.com