Email dated January 17, 2023 from R. Alford & C. Yam, City of Victoria Youth Council, Re: Funding of U-Passes
A proposal from the City of Victoria Youth Council requesting collaboration and funding for free bus passes (U-PASS) for youth under 19 in View Royal.
City of Victoria Youth Council Seeking Collaboration
From: rowyn
Sent: January 17, 2023 7:11 PM
To: council@esquimalt.ca
Subject: City of Victoria Youth Council Seeking Collaboration
Hello, our names are Rowyn and Christie and we are writing on behalf of the City of Victoria Youth Council (CVYC). CVYC is a non-profit designed to uplift youth voices and create positive change in Victoria. One great example of positive change in Victoria is the U-PASS. The U-PASS is a free bus pass for all residents of Victoria under 19, which, with application, gives complete access to free BC transit. Free bus passes for youth (U-PASS) should be provided in all municipalities, not just Victoria.
Transit is reliable and essential access to work and school, and should be accessible to all. Financial barriers prevent many from purchasing the $45 a month bus pass for their children. By using funds available from parking fees, municipality funding, and CVYC fundraisers, you can provide a U-PASS to everyone under 19 in your municipality.
The City of Victoria Youth Council has had success in working with Victoria in order to create projects that improve our community. From our period product drive that helped us raise over $600 in total, to our winter kit fundraiser that helped us raise over $500 in funds and clothing for Victoria's homeless population. By working with other councils in Victoria we will be able to achieve more and improve life for youth. As Mayor Helps said, “The free U-PASS is key to fostering young transit users that will continue to opt for public transportation for years to come and help reduce emissions by keeping future cars off the road.”
If you choose to fund U-PASSES for youth, the City of Victoria Youth Council will advertise and encourage all youth to register, fundraise if needed, and seek out opportunities to work with your municipality again.
We are asking you to consider providing free U-PASSES for all youth under 19, and we will offer our support in doing it. The lack of accessible bus passes limits youths, living outside of Victoria should not be a barrier. We are passionate about ensuring that youth can access necessary resources and take advantage of opportunities in the community, something made possible through bus passes.
Thank you for considering our proposal,
Rowyn Alford
Christie Yam
City of Victoria Youth Council