Youth who ride transit on the Sunshine Coast will get a literal free pass starting this fall.
According to the SCRD, youth who are 13 to 17 years of age or still in Grade 12 will get a special pass (S-Pass) that will allow them to ride transit at no charge.
Students will be able to access the pass through their smartphone, or by obtaining a physical card, but the SCRD says assistance will be needed to activate because it is a special fare.
“Sunshine Coast Regional District staff will need to help youth activate their S-Pass,” they say. “Youth will also be required to present a picture ID to activate the pass.”
The district says this is an important step forward to encourage more transit users, build lasting relationships and promote a healthy community.
“Recognizing the importance of encouraging regular transit use, building life-long ridership, reducing barriers to transit, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is why the SCRD approved the removal of fares for youth in their 2024 financial plan,” they say.
Youth under 12 will still ride for free, and the district says they’ll release more information as it becomes available.
Free transit is expected to come online Nov. 1.
