Today's the last day to pick up free youth bus passes before Victoria program starts

Today is the final day to pick up a free youth bus pass from the City of Victoria before the program kicks in Sunday, although they can still be obtained afterward.

Victoria youth 18 and younger are eligible for the passes, which Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps hopes will spur a new generation of transit riders.

Part of the funding for the program is coming from Sunday parking fees that took effect in May. The fees are expected to generate about $500,000 to $600,000 a year.

The passes can be picked up at Victoria City Hall from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m on weekdays.

About the passes

• Each monthly pass provides unlimited rides on B.C. Transit buses and handyDART (for registered handyDART customers)
• Proof of age and residency is required each time you pick up a pass
• No replacement transit passes will be issued for lost or stolen cards
• Youth can start in the program at any time with passes available mid-month

Who is eligible?

Youth who are eligible for this monthly pass program must be:

• A resident of Victoria
• 18 years of age or younger

What documentation is required?

This program is for City of Victoria residents only. Participation requires proof of age and residency. The following forms of identification are acceptable to confirm both age and City of Victoria residency.

• B.C. health card with current address
• B.C. identification card with current address
• B.C. driver's licence with current address

If a youth does not have one of the above with a Victoria address, the following documents are accepted to prove age and residency.

Proof of Age:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs status card
• International Student Identification Card

Proof of Residency:

• Any two of the following documents:
• Current property tax statement
• Current home owner insurance documents
• Current renter insurance documents
• Current utility bill with address (City of Victoria, B.C. Hydro, Shaw, Telus, etc.)
• Current Canadian bank statement with address
• Current credit card statement with address
• Current B.C. vehicle registration with address
• Valid B.C. driver's license with address
• Valid B.C. identification card with address
• Purchase agreement for home
• A rental agreement or lease signed with landlord's contact phone number
• Current year property Notice of Assessment (B.C. Assessment)
• Income tax notice of assessment issued in current year