Movement YVR protests TransLink fare hike, demands low-income bus pass

Movement YVR is calling for a low-income bus pass from TransLink, raising the pressure on the transit authority and provincial government as fares climb.

On July 1, TransLink raised fare prices by an average of 5 per cent across the board — roughly 10 to 25 cents more per single-fare trip, with monthly passes also increasing. According to Movement, the hike will add approximately $120 per family member to household expenses each year.

On Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m., Movement is gathering at Metrotown Station to spread the word about the need for a low-income bus pass across B.C. The coalition has grown significantly since launching: over 50 groups now support the push, and Vancouver council, City of Langley council, and others have signed on. Thousands of people have used Movement's website to write letters to their MLA requesting the pass.

Right now, only adults on income assistance qualify for reduced-cost passes. Movement wants the benefit extended to working low-income people as well — a policy already adopted by major transit systems across North America.

"We're one of the only major transit-using regions on the continent that doesn't have this already," said Denis Agar with Movement Metro Vancouver Transit Riders. "Really it's a bit of a shame and surprise that we've got this missing piece in our social safety net."

TransLink itself has endorsed the idea. The transit authority has a report on its website stating that a low-income pass would cost roughly $70 million per year. The barrier now is funding: the province has to unlock it before the program becomes reality. "If they can design a program, get it up and running, I think that would be a really bright spot for this provincial government," Agar said.