Letter dated July 18, 2019 from A. Bains, District of Saanich, Re: Youth Transit Passes

Re: YOUTH TRANSIT PASSES

This letter confirms that at their meeting held July 15, 2019 Saanich Council considered a Notice of Motion from Councillor Chambers regarding the above and resolved as follows:

"That:

WHEREAS the Victoria Regional Transit Commission is exploring implementation of a Youth Transit Pass, to provide people under the age of 19 in the Capital Regional with fare-free access to public transit beginning 2020;

AND WHEREAS introduction of a Youth Transit Pass in the City of Victoria in September 2019 will create disparities among youth who live in different municipalities, including youths attending the same school and in some cases living on the same street (i.e. Richmond, Tolmie, Harriet);

AND WHEREAS reducing barriers to public transit usage among youths can instill sustainable lifelong transportation choices, reducing transportation costs for households, increasing transit ridership and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, which account for more than 50% of community based emissions in Saanich;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council supports the initiative of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission with respect to their consideration of a pilot project for a Youth Transit Pass;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council directs staff to forward this resolution to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission and to other local governments in the Capital Region, requesting favourable consideration."

Please find attached an excerpt of the minutes for your information.

Sincerely,

Angila Bains, B.A., CMC Manager, Legislative Services

CC:

• District of Saanich, Mayor and Council
• District of Central Saanich, Mayor and Council
• City of Colwood, Mayor and Council
• Township of Esquimalt, Mayor and Council
• District of Highlands, Mayor and Council
• City of Langford, Mayor and Council
• District of Metchosin, Mayor and Council
• District of North Saanich, Mayor and Council
• District of Oak Bay, Mayor and Council
• Town of Sidney, Mayor and Council
• District of Sooke, Mayor and Council
• City of Victoria, Mayor and Council
• Town of View Royal, Mayor and Council