BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program

Background

Since 1997, the Victoria Regional Transit Commission has provided free bus tickets to the Community Social Planning Council to distribute through social service agencies to people with urgent transportation needs.

The Council, through an innovative partnership with social service nonprofit agencies, developed an efficient and effective process to double the number of tickets that are distributed at no charge to people living on low income in BC’s Capital Region.

This program has grown since its inception, and supports the work of up to 67 local agencies as well as enhancing the lives of hundreds of citizens. Currently up to 90,000 free transit tickets and 440 free passes per year are distributed through the BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program (BCTTAP). Agencies purchase tickets and passes through the Community Social Planning Council. Purchased tickets are matched on a 1:1 basis with free tickets from the Transit Commission (to a maximum allotment per year.)

Participating agencies report on transit ticket usage throughout the year and participate in an annual meeting. The annual meeting provides a unique opportunity to focus on transportation needs, and gaps in the system in this region. This program has highlighted the importance of transportation to enable people to meet basic needs and to fully participate in community life. Over the years, more agencies have included “transportation” as a line in their budgets, and have raised funds to purchase bus tickets.

Criteria for Participation

BC Transit has established criteria for agencies receiving free tickets and has asked the Community Social Planning Council to act as the central agency to administer this program. In order to participate in the BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program, agencies:

• Have a mandate to work primarily with low income people;
• Provide assurance that the tickets are being distributed free of charge to assist people with low income with urgent transport needs;
• Complete the necessary Ticket Assistance Program reports and return them to the Community Social Planning Council.

Only agencies based in BC's Capital Region may participate in this program. Information provided by participating agencies is used to monitor the free distribution of bus tickets. This information contributes to a better understanding of transportation trends and needs within BC's Capital region.

BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program Reports

	Report to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission - Interim Report (2011) This special report highlights the unprecedented growth of this program. Prepared by the Community Social Planning Council
	Report to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission (2011) This report documents the recommendations made to the Transit Commission arising from the program's annual meeting. Prepared by the Community Social Planning Council
	Report to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission (2010) This report documents the recommendations made to the Transit Commission arising from the program's annual meeting. Prepared by the Community Social Planning Council
	Caledon Institute Report on the BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program (2010) The Caledon Institute and Vibrant Communities present this Communitiy Snapshot of the BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program in Victoria BC. This program partners the Community Social Planning Council and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission to provide access to transportation for people liviing on low income. Prepared by The Caledon Institute
	Report to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission (2009) Since 1997, the Victoria Regional Transit Commission has provided free bus tickets to the Community Social Planning Council to distribute to people with urgent transportation needs. The Community Social Planning Council, through an innovative partnership with social service nonprofit agencies, developed an efficient and effective process to double the number of tickets distributed at no charge to people living on low income in BC’s Capital Region. Prepared by the Community Social Planning Council
	Report to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission (2006) This report documents the recommendations made to the Transit Commission arising from the program's annual meeting. Prepared by the Community Social Planning Council
	Report to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission (2005) This report documents the recommendations made to the Transit Commission arising from the program's annual meeting. See also the 2002 Report to the Commission. Prepared by the Community Social Planning Council
	Hot Wheels: Sustainability In Action (2003) Accessible public transportation is a critical link to mobility for the young, the elderly, and people with disabilities, and it is crucial for people and families on low incomes who are looking for work. Prepared by the Community Social Planning Council

Agency Application Form

Agencies who meet the eligibility requirements (see above) may apply to participate in the BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program. Click here to download the application form.

BC Transit Ticket Assistance Program funding support
generously provided through Victoria Regional Transit Commission