Without help from the province, the cost to provide free transit for youth 13-18 in the regional transit system would be on the city and could cost nearly $2 million annually.
âYou may decide to go ahead and so, but there is a financial implication that may result in an increased taxation burden to fund transit operations,â Transit and Programs Manager Mike Kittmer told council at its July 22 meeting.
Current youth ridership numbers are not available, however, Kittmerâs report stated that 2023 figures indicate a revenue reduction of approximately $1.8 million.
The Âé¶čAV Regional Transit System offers fare products giving discounts to riders, and the city provides the Emergency Transit Assistance Program with United Way BC. The provinceâs Get on Board! program offers free transit to children 12 and under.
Kittmer also told council that youth behaviour on buses and at transit stops is also a concern.
âWeâve had significant incidences around certain schools where youth behaviour is affecting other riders. We wanted to point out that the increased ridership from such a program could exacerbate those issues.â
He added that the city does work with schools through a traffic safety officer to address behaviour concerns.
âWho goes out with principals typically and attends to bus stops and targets individuals who have reoccurring behaviour to modify that.â
Kittmer pointed out that there is a larger issue with behaviour on transit beyond youth.
Councillor Loyal Wooldridge took issue with youth being singled out.
âI would argue that the etiquette weâre seeing on our transit system isnât just based around youth. I was disappointed in the stigmatizing language weâre using within this report.â
Wooldridge added the goal is to transition youth to different modes of transportation.
Coun. Gord Lovegrove, who brought the free transit issue forward, asked his colleagues to approve sending a letter to the province requesting it expand fare-free transit for youth.
âAnd that they also, like the 12 and under, reimburse us for that $1.8 million. It would be a conditional letter of support.â
Council agreed and also directed staff to conduct a recommended fare review of the regional transit system beginning in the fall.
