Fare-Free Transit for Youth 18 and Under Program
Free Transit for Youth Coming September 2026
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is making it easier for young people to get where they need to go. At its April 14, 2026, Board meeting, the RDN approved a two-year fare-free transit program for youth aged 13 to 18 across the region, launching on September 6, 2026.
This initiative is designed to improve access to education, employment, recreation, and community services while encouraging greater use of public transit. The program will be evaluated at the end of the two-year period to assess its success and determine whether it should continue.
To support this initiative, all youth aged 13 to 18 residing in the region are eligible for an annual Umo pass available through RDN Transit. In preparation for the launch, Transit Services staff will host a series of pop-up events throughout the region, from August 17 through to September 6, where eligible youth can obtain their free Umo transit pass. Visit the following page for detailed information on dates and locations of the pop-up events: www.rdn.bc.ca/youth-passes-pop-events.
To help measure the program's effectiveness, all youth riders taking advantage of this program are required to tap their Umo transit pass each time they board the bus. This ridership data will play an important role in the program review. By introducing fare-free transit for youth, the RDN joins a growing number of local governments that are investing in accessible, affordable transportation for young people and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions?
1. Question: What are the age limits for children riding the bus for free?
Response: Beginning September 6, 2026, eligible youth aged 13 to 18 who reside within the Regional District of Nanaimo can ride transit free of
charge using a Fare-Free Youth Umo fare product.
2. Question: Who can participate?
Response: Youth aged 13 to 18 who reside within the Regional District of Nanaimo are eligible. This includes residents of:
• City of Nanaimo
• District of Lantzville
• City of Parksville
• Town of Qualicum Beach
• Electoral Areas A, B, C, E, F, G and H
Eligible youth must obtain and tap the Umo fare product provided before riding free.
3. Question: Why is the program being introduced?
Response: The RDN Board approved this two-year program to improve access to education, employment, recreation, community services and other opportunities for youth. The program will be monitored and evaluated before the conclusion of the second year.
4. Question: Are children 12 and under included?
Response: Children 12 and under already ride free under the Province of British Columbia’s Get on Board Program and do not require a Fare-Free Youth Umo product.
5. Question: Do I still need a fare product if transit is free?
Response: This Specialized fare product helps verify eligibility, measure participation, understand travel patterns and evaluate the success of the program. This specialized fare product is only available at the RDN Transit Office or at one of the designated community outreach events prior to launch.
6. Question: Why is it important to tap every trip?
Response: Each tap records ridership information that helps the RDN and BC Transit understand how the program is being used and supports future program evaluation.
7. Question: When does the program start?
Response: The program begins September 6, 2026. The specialized fare products will be available through the RDN Transit Office and designated community outreach events before launch.
8. Question: How do I get a Fare-Free Youth Umo product?
Response: Eligible youth can visit the RDN Transit Office or designated outreach events and provide proof of age and residency to receive their Specialized product which is only available at the RDN Transit Administration Office or at one of the designated community events. For more information on these events, please visit https//rdn.bc.ca/youth-passes-pop-up-events.
9. Question: What documents can be used to demonstrate eligibility for this program?
Response: Examples of documents that demonstrate eligibility include a passport, BCID, driver license, birth certificate or other age documentation. Residency may be demonstrated through utility bills, lease agreements, school records or documentation from a parent or guardian.
We understand that not all youth will have the appropriate documents for proof of age and RDN residence and encourage those youth to bring their guardian who can vouch for them and provide the appropriate documentation.
10. Question: Can I use an existing Umo card or the Umo app?
Response: Yes. Eligible youth may choose either a physical Umo card or the Umo app and can use their existing Umo account for this program.
11. Question: What happens if I lose my card?
Response: Contact the RDN Transit Office. You can visit our office located at 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Registered cards can be replaced and the fare product transferred to a new card.
12. Question: Does the program apply to handyDART?
Response: Yes. Eligible youth aged 13 to 18 may participate when using handyDART services.
13. Question: Does the program apply on all routes?
Response: The program applies to all routes throughout the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System with the following exceptions:
- Route 70 NCX, where regular fares continue to apply. Route 70 NCX is a transit route managed jointly by the Regional District of Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
- (GERTIE) Gabriola's Environmentally Responsible Trans Island Express.
This program does not apply to other transit systems within British Columbia.
14. Question: Can visitors to the RDN participate in this program?
Response: No. The program is available only to youth aged 13 to 18 who reside within the Regional District of Nanaimo.
15. Question: What happens when I turn 19?
Response: Riders become ineligible when they turn 19 and regular fares and fare products will apply. Riders who turn 19 will be able to continue to use their Umo pass until it expires.
16. Question: Where can I get more information?
Response: Visit the program webpage rdn.bc.ca/youth-passes-pop-up-events or contact the RDN Transit Office.
You can also contact the BC Transit Umo support at 1-877-380-8181 or bctransit.com/umo for general support to create your Umo account.
17. Question: What should I do if the bus I’m riding is filling up?
Response: To create room for more passengers, in addition to moving toward the back of the bus, please ensure you take off backpacks and bags and place them by your feet. This will allow more passengers to ride on busy routes before and after school.
