OP/ED: UBCM to Vote on Resolution in Support of Free Transit for Youth Up to Age 18 Tomorrow

Tomorrow at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 a vote will be held at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention 2024 to support the expansion of free transit up to age 18 for all youth in BC. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Get on Board program currently provides free transit in all transit systems for youth up to age 12 but leaves youth in high school behind.

Municipalities throughout the province have passed motions in support of Transit for Teens and submitted them to the UBCM. Municipalities, districts, and school boards that have passed various motions in support of expanding the Get on Board program up to age 18 include the City of Langford, City of New Westminster, City of Vernon, District of Oak Bay, District of Saanich, Town of Gibsons, City of New Westminster, New Westminster School Board, Powell River School Board, the Vancouver School Board and the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities.

Transit for Teens has been endorsed by over 30 other stakeholders including the BCTF, CUPE BC, HEU, PSABC, the Urban Native Youth Association, the Surrey Teachers’ Association, and many organizations supporting youth and families in BC.

Transit for Teens is an initiative of the Centre for Family Equity (CFE) working in collaboration with many dedicated allies and endorsers. CFE addresses family poverty in BC through research, policy recommendations, legal action, law reform, and targeted programs.

Please visit our website to learn more about the Transit for Teens initiative at: https://www.centreforequity.ca/transit_for_teens_campaign