We have exciting news for parents and children under 12!

As part of a new provincial program, children 12 and under ride TransLink services free of charge, starting on Sept. 1. This change makes it easier and more affordable for families in and around Metro Vancouver.

“TransLink is pleased to partner with the B.C. government to extend free transit to kids age 12 and under on all modes,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “It is my hope that by making public transit more affordable, this program will encourage families to take transit more frequently, give children the opportunity to see public transit as a comfortable, reliable way to get around, and serve as an important part of our efforts to reduce carbon emissions.”

Here’s how it will work:

• Bus
  • Children 12 and under will be able to ride buses free of charge without requiring a transit pass, identification or an accompanying fare paying customer.
• SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express:
  • Children 12 and under will be able to ride on SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express free of charge only if accompanying a fare paying customer. A fare paying customer can accompany up to a maximum of four children through the fare gates.
  • Children 12 and under will continue to be able to access the gated systems by themselves with the purchase of a fare to tap through fare gates.
• HandyDART
  • Children 12 and under who are registered HandyDART customers or children who are accompanying a registered HandyDART customer will be able to travel for free on HandyDART without requiring a fare product or identification.

While travel for children 12 and under will be free, parents and guardians are responsible for educating and making decisions about the safety and care of their children whenever travelling on transit.

To learn more, please visit translink.ca/kidsridefree and gov.bc.ca/kids-getonboard. Plan your trip at translink.ca/tripplanner.