The fourth full year of free transit for youth is on the horizon and Victoria residents can apply for next year’s youth U-PASS.
The transit pass allows young people aged 13 to 18 to travel for free on the Victoria Regional Transit System throughout 2024.
The application requires documentation showing proof of age and residency. Examples of accepted government-issued identification showing both age and current address of the youth include a B.C. services card, driver’s licence or identity card with current address.
Youth without one of those forms of identification can provide combined documents. Proof of age can be shown using a B.C. services card, driver’s licence or identity card alternatively youth can use a birth certificate, passport, BC Care Card, permanent residence card, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Status card or International Student Identity Card.
RELATED: Public transit to be free for kids 12 and younger – a ‘bold’ B.C. budget line advocates applaud
Proof of residency requires two documents (in the youth or guardian’s name), including property tax statement, homeowner or renter insurance policy, utility bill with an appropriate address, BC vehicle registration, BC driver’s licence, services card, or identification card of a parent or guardian.
A rental agreement or formal homestay document from a school can also be used.
The youth U-PASS program collects your age and residency to determine eligibility for a free transit pass and to satisfy BC Transit’s requirements to limit the use of U-PASS to the individual it was issued to.
The city first offered free youth passes in December 2019.
Apply online at victoria.ca or in person at the public service centre in city hall, 1 Centennial Square. Those with questions can email upass@victoria.ca or call 250-385-5711.
RELATED: Victoria free youth bus passes for sale on Craigslist
