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Since Sept. 1, 2021, transit has been free of charge throughout British Columbia for anyone 12 years of age and younger.
It was hailed as a positive step when introduced and now the City of Penticton is taking things further with a new pilot project that launched today.
For the rest of 2024, anyone 24 years of age or younger will be able to ride the bus for free in Penticton.
Photo Credit: BC Transit
It’s part of the City’s ‘Focus on Safety’ and in conjunction with the launch of Umo, which allows transit users to pay through a mobile app or reloadable card.
While those 12 and under will continue to ride free, youth between the ages of 13-24 can do the same if they register at one of the following five locations:
- The Ooknakane Friendship Centre
- Foundry Penticton
- Penticton Public Library
- Penticton Community Centre
- Penticton City Hall
“I have a hard time accessing services without a transit pass so being able to use the bus for free means the world to me,” one anonymous youth told the City when informed of the pilot project.
“Instead of having to work on the weekends to pay for my bus pass, I can now use the bus to access services, visit family or even go to the local pool with friends.”
Julie Czeck, the City’s director of safety and partnerships, said the pilot project will help break down barriers for youth to access services, socialize and be a more active part of the community.
“This is another important step towards building a safer community by reaching out, hearing what the needs are and finding ways to meet them,” she noted.
“We’re excited to offer this pilot program with our partners and hope it can make a difference in the lives of youth.”
The City says Penticton is the first municipality to offer free transit to this age group. As life continues to get costlier, it begs the question, should more cities or even the province as a whole follow suit?
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