PROPOSED MOTION: REGIONAL FREE AND REVISED DISCOUNTED TRANSIT PASSES FOR AGES 13-18

Proposed Motion: Regional free and revised discounted transit passes for ages 13-18

WHEREAS

Transit is a key component of Active Transportation for All Ages and Abilities in comfort, safety and GHG reduction, and strong correlation supporting walking and cycling
youth cannot work nor drive until 16 years of age (cash flow for a scooter etc)
current policy that children under 12 ride for free (effective: Sept 1 2021)
the gap between "free" and being able to work is 13-15 inclusive
Only Victoria municipality youth have free bus passes
youth in Metro Vancouver (13-18) get better discounted fares than those in CRD

Therefore be it resolved that

Victoria Transit increase the eligibility for free transit from 12 to 13 years of age
Victoria Transit reduces transit fees by 50% for ages 14 and 15 years of age
Victoria Transit provide fare discounts to ages 16-18 (as provided in Metro Translink)

AND FURTHER THAT

The CRD establishes a region-wide levy to assist transit in providing free and improved discounted fares as well as relevant administration costs. The program would be jointly administered by Victoria Transit and CRD as necessary.

AND FURTHER THAT

Copies of this finalized motion be distributed to all CRD municipalities, First Nations, CRD Board and Transportation Committee, BC Transit and all CRD School Districts

Rationale:

It seems the most effective and efficient way to achieve this service to all youth in the region is through two sources: CRD and Transit. This would ensure no youth in any one municipality has an economic advantage over another.

Transit facts

[ https://www.bctransit.com/about/facts/victoria | https://www.bctransit.com/about/facts/victoria ]
[ https://www.bctransit.com/corporate-reports/customer-tracking-surveys | https://www.bctransit.com/corporate-reports/customer-tracking-surveys ] SEE attached on YOUTH relevant data from Q2 2023.

John Rogers November 30, 2023