Editor:
Re: “SCRD investigates cutting youth and family bus fares,” Sept. 30, coastreporter.net.
We are writing to convey our support for the SCRD decision to explore reducing youth and family bus fares. We support and suggest not just reduced fares but making bus access free for all students. This initiative has so many benefits. Creating a culture, and lifelong habit, of taking the bus lowers our collective CO2 emissions by reducing the need for parents and students to drive. It would also make getting around the Sunshine Coast more equitable, giving equal access regardless of household income. And of course, it would reduce the congestion on our all too busy roads.
It is also great to see other nearby B.C. jurisdictions working on similar initiatives. The City of Victoria is currently implementing a free bus pass program for all K-12 students and Powell River is in the process of evaluating a similar program.
If you support this initiative we encourage you to tell the SCRD (info@scrd.ca) and BC Transit (www.bctransit.com/choose-transit-system).
Alun Woolliams, TraC President, transportationchoices.ca
