The BC Government has announced that beginning Jan. 1, 2018, annual bus passes will be available to people on disability assistance through a new transportation supplement.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has issued a media release with more details, which can be accessed here on the BC Government website or downloaded here in PDF format.

From the media release:

“People who have the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation can use the new supplement for an annual bus pass or for other transportation needs, such as HandyDART.

As individual needs can change over time the supplement will also provide flexibility. People can apply for the B.C. Bus Pass at any time during the year. They can also cancel their bus pass at any time and use the supplement for other transportation costs.

The new supplement responds to requests from the disability community to fix changes that were made to transportation supports for people on disability assistance. Government committed to addressing their concerns and consulted with stakeholders on the best approach.

The transportation supplement is $52 per month and will be on monthly assistance payments, starting with the Dec. 20, 2017, payment. It is expected to cost government approximately $70 million annually.

The B.C. Bus Pass can be used in both TransLink and BC Transit areas.”

Jane Dyson, executive director, Disability Alliance BC –

“Disability Alliance BC is pleased with today’s announcement of a new $52-monthly transportation supplement for people with disabilities receiving assistance. The additional $52, on top of the recently implemented rate increase, and increase to the annualized earnings exemption are very encouraging first steps from B.C.’s new provincial government. We appreciate the fact that the minister consulted and listened to stakeholders in designing the new supplement and look forward to working with his ministry to develop more poverty-reduction initiatives.””