For the 30th year in a row, BC Transit and its partner communities are offering the popular GradPASS program for graduating Grade 12 students all over British Columbia.
The GradPASS program allows high school graduates in more than 50 communities across the province – including Campbell River – the ability to ride the bus for free for two days of their choice during the month of June.
“Congratulations to B.C.’s newest high school graduates. I hope grads will take advantage of this excellent opportunity for free transit,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in the release about the program’s return. “Our goal is to support young people in taking transit now and hopefully for life: GradPASS is just one we’re working to build a culture of transit users in communities across the province.”
GradPASS was first introduced in Vancouver in 1988 to encourage safe transportation options during prom season. The Victoria Regional Transit System adopted the program in 1990, with other communities following suit over the years. Today, over 50 communities across the province offer GradPASS cards to new grads every May.
“Graduating high school is one of the most significant milestones in the lives of many young people,” said Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. “BC Transit is pleased to congratulate the class of 2018, and to remind them of the importance of choosing transit as a safe, efficient transportation alternative—especially at this time of well-deserved celebration.”
To use their GradPASS, graduates only need to scratch off their two chosen travel days – which don’t need to be consecutive – and show the card to their bus driver at the time of boarding.
GradPASS cards will be distributed to local schools in late May.