Whereas youth across British Columbia and all people living in poverty deserve safe, easy, and affordable commutes; And whereas a lack of affordable transportation is a significant barrier to social connection, access to services and labour market inclusion for low income adults and youth; And whereas direct harm can be brought to low income adults and youth due to punitive fare evasion ticketing, which can impact credit ratings and further entrench poverty; And whereas the AllOnBoard campaign has been endorsed by business, labour, and advocacy organizations across British Columbia in their call to remove the barriers to public transit for youth and those experiencing poverty; Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government work to make transit access more equitable by supporting free public transit across BC for youth under 19 years of age; And be it further resolved that the provincial government support a sliding scale monthly pass system based on income; And be it further resolved that BC Transit and TransLink proactively end the practice of fare evasion ticketing of minors, and introduce community service and restorative justice options for adults as an alternative to fare evasion tickets.
