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Using Public Transit

 

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older adult man about to board a transit bus

 

Do you have public transit in your community? Are bus stops or stations located nearby? Try taking transit when you don’t have a car available to you. Many communities offer free local transit training programs to learn how to get around on the bus.


Public transportation is a convenient option for older adults who can’t or choose not to drive. If you are 65 or over, you qualify for a seniors’ discount on public transit in British Columbia. Here are some other public transit resources.

  • BC Bus Pass Program
    Low-income seniors and persons with disabilities may buy a yearly bus pass at a discount.
  • Community Travel Training Program
    The Community Travel Training Program has free training to seniors and people with disabilities who wish to use regular transit service. This program is currently available in Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, and Vernon, and will increase your comfort in using public transit.
  • Handy Dial-A-Ride-Transit (HandyDART)
    HandyDART provides door-to-door service for people who are unable to use public transit without assistance. TransLink is responsible for HandyDART in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland while BC Transit operates handyDART in other communities province wide.
  • HandyCard
    If you live in the TransLink service area and have a permanent disability that makes it difficult to use public transit without assistance, you may be eligible for HandyCard. HandyCard lets you travel for reduced fares, and if you need a companion to help you travel, that person rides for free.
  • TaxiSavers
    TaxiSavers in Metro Vancouver are taxi vouchers for when HandyDART and HandyCard are not an option. Phone 778-452-2860 for more information.

    HandyDART card and TaxiSavers are available in other transit systems throughout the province. Visit BC Transit to see if the website for your community has HandyDART or TaxiSavers link.

  • Special Transportation Subsidy
    If you receive disability assistance but can’t use public transit, HandyDART, or TaxiSavers because of your disability, you may be eligible for the Special Transportation Subsidy.

Access public transit fares and schedule information and plan your trip online:

  • TransLink (for Metro Vancouver/the Lower Mainland)
  • BC Transit (for the rest of BC, including Victoria)
Last Updated: October 2, 2015