A pilot program allowing school children to ride public transit for free will remain a permanent part of the Kitimat area transit system.
The District of Kitimat made the announcement Aug. 3o.
“We recognize the value of improving access to transit for our younger residents,” Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth said in a release. “This program provides safe and reliable transportation for our kids, while promoting the use of public transit in Kitimat.”
After Nov. 1, students aged 15 to 18 will need to show bus drivers their student ID bearing a free transit sticker, which will be handed out by school administrators. For the next two months until then, these students will not have to show ID to ride free.
Those without a student ID can apply for a monthly pass at the District of Kitimat offices at 270 City Centre. Children 14 and under are not required to show ID to ride free.
Based on 2019 figures, the permenece of the program will cost the district $23,000 in lost revenue from paid student passes.