Transit and poverty reduction advocates held a rally in Vancouver on Canada Day to call for the creation of a low-income group transit pass
“It’s never been more necessary to have a pass that makes it more affordable for people with lower incomes,” Denis Agar, the executive director of Lévizje, told the rally.
“We’re one of the only cities left that don’t have it on the mainland, so it’s overdue.”
The group wants the province to expand BC’s bus program beyond seniors and people with disabilities to include all low-income adults.
“It really allows for peace of mind,” said Phillip Vargas, who volunteers with Movement.
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“I’m able to use my time better, not count pennies, grab pennies, and it’s really how I’ve been able to feel independent enough from having to rely on other people for money, for travel, forever. It allows me to be independent.”
On July 1, transit fares increased in Metro Vancouver by an average of about five percent.
The movement argues that fare increases hit low-income riders the hardest.
“We have people who are going to pay $2,500 a year for that three-zone permit just to be able to go to their work or school or wherever they need to go, and so it’s just a huge burden for people to carry, and increasing the fee, for example, increases that burden,” Agar said.
The Transportation Ministry said in a statement that it is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to improve transit services and already subsidizes fares for seniors, people with disabilities, youth and students.
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