This Earth Day, the Victoria Transit Riders Union (VTRU) is rallying for immediate fare-free transit access for all BC youth.
The rally will be at the BC Legislature Building on Wednesday, April 22 from 4-6 PM. Speakers include VTRU Chair Liz Cronin, BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan, Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association president Carolyn Howe, and local transit workers and teens. Speeches will begin at 4:30.
Earlier this month, the Regional District of Nanaimo approved a plan to make transit free for teens aged 18 and under after hearing that a 2025 study by Limestone Analytics found free youth transit in Kingston, Ontario has resulted in approximately 196,000 additional youth transit rides, 72,000 fewer car trips, and 70 tonnes of CO2 emissions reductions every year. The study also credited the program for 16,000 fewer absences within the Kingston secondary school system, and approximately 10,000 hours of caregiver time saved.
“When free transit was extended to kids 12 and under in BC it made a huge difference to families,” said Liz Cronin, chair of the Victoria Transit Riders Union. “Please join us this Earth Day in demanding fare-free transit for all BC youth. When youth can move freely and safely they visit friends and family, access supports, and participate in extracurricular activities. BC youth are an excellent investment, and together we can ensure them freedom of movement.”
“Free Earth Day transit is a nice but performative acknowledgement that fares are bad for the environment.” said Nathan Bird, an organizer with Victoria Transit Riders Union. “Free youth transit would make a real, meaningful difference in people’s lives and their future – and it also makes sense as a response to high gas prices.”
Buses are free in Victoria on Earth Day.
VTRU is campaigning for universal fare-free transit at the provincial level, starting immediately with teens (18 and under), seniors (65 and up), and recipients of provincial income assistance and disability.
The provincial government has made it clear that it believes municipalities should fund additional fare-free programs. This is despite a 2024 BC NDP election promise to introduce fare-free transit for seniors in off-peak hours, a 2024 UBCM resolution calling for fare-free transit for BC teens, and a 2025 BC NDP Convention resolution calling for fare-free transit for BC youth and seniors.
The BC NDP sharply criticized the BC Liberals for eliminating free bus passes for people on provincial disability assistance in 2016, but have failed to restore these passes after nearly a decade in power.
VTRU hopes that transit riders will take advantage of the free Earth Day transit access to join their rally for year-round fare-free transit for youth.
