B.C. Transit riders may find themselves asking questions of their drivers Friday.
Changes approved last December see the elimination of the multi-month Youth Pass, discount tickets, and paper transfers. The prices for cash adult tickets and monthly passes have not been changed.
B.C. Transit states that a mitigating factor in eliminating discount tickets is to reduce operator and passenger conflict arising from visual confirmation on age-based tickets. The use of paper transfers were also a source of conflict and fraud within the system.
The elimination of transfers will double the cost of a one-way trip for riders who used transfers in the past, forcing them to buy a day pass for $5. In addition, local vendors will no longer carry the Day Passes, which are now sold exclusively on buses.
Single-fare fees have not increased from the $2.50 rate. The Victoria Regional Transit Commission reviews rates every three years. The new structure is in effect through 2019.
Any multi-month Youth Passes purchased prior to April 1, 2016 will still be honoured until it’s expiry date. Single-month youth passes are still available.
alim@goldstreamgazette.com