Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Vancouver, BC — The Alma Mater Society (AMS) of UBC, along with the UVic Student Society, Simon Fraser Student Society, Student Union Okanagan, and Alliance of BC Students would like to thank Nanaimo City Council for unanimously endorsing the creation of a $10 Student Rate for BC Ferries on Monday, January 19, a key priority pushed for by student leaders across BC.
“The city’s endorsement shows that island communities like Nanaimo see the clear social and economic benefits of making student travel more accessible,” said Solomon Yi-Kieran, Vice President, External Affairs of the AMS. “Students are already struggling with the high costs of education and living expenses, a $10 student rate would be welcome relief for the thousands of students who rely on BC Ferries for school, work and family.”
Alongside other student organizations, the AMS is proposing is a 1-year trial for a $10 student walk on rate.
“As Chair of the City of Nanaimo’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness, I see the creation of a $10 Student Rate as important progress towards making life more affordable and equitable for students, who are already struggling with BC’s high cost of living.” said Hilary Eastmure, Nanaimo City Councillor. “I’m happy that Nanaimo City Council unanimously supported my motion to provide a letter of support for this initiative. BC Ferries are a key element of basic public transit throughout coastal British Columbia and for that reason I’d also like to see affordable rates extended to people living with disabilities and those living below the poverty line.”
Making transportation more affordable for students is a direct investment in BC’s future, creating jobs, training BC’s future workforce, and expanding access to education for rural and Indigenous communities. A student rate will also encourage more travel within the province, boosting BC’s tourism sector and increasing revenue for BC Ferries.
“The City of Nanaimo supporting our calls for the necessary funding for this program to be included in the 2026 Provincial Budget shows the wide appeal, importance, and feasibility of this program,” said Yi-Kieran. “Evidence from other jurisdictions show that student transportation discounts increase ridership, promotes sustainable transportation habits, and generates long-term public value.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Solomon Yi-Kieran
Vice President, External Affairs
AMS of UBC
SolomonYiKieran@ams.ubc.ca
Eric Lowe
Sr. Communications and Marketing Manager
AMS of UBC
ericlowe@ams.ubc.ca
Hilary Eastmure
City Councillor
City of Nanaimo
hilary.eastmure@nanaimo.ca
