Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries
Eva Hage, BC Ferries Commissioner
Honourable David Eby, Premier of BC
Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit
Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism
Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister
Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
BC Ferries provides a vital transportation link for millions of people, connecting Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to the British Columbia mainland. It is more than a ferry service—it is part of the Trans-Canada Highway system, a lifeline for regional economies, and an essential means of mobility for residents, tourists, and workers alike. For many communities, it is the only route to critical services, education, and family support.
Despite its strategic importance, BC Ferries’ current fare structure leaves a significant group behind: post-secondary students. While K–12 students benefit from discounted fares with proper documentation, and BC seniors travel free midweek thanks to provincial subsidies, college and university students—regardless of financial need, academic schedule, or travel purpose—are required to pay full adult fares. In 2025, this means paying $20 for a one-way foot passenger trip between Horseshoe Bay Vancouver and Departure Bay Nanaimo, and over $70 if traveling with a vehicle (1). These costs can be a serious financial barrier to a demographic already disproportionately affected by our precarious economic conditions.
Post-secondary students are critical contributors to British Columbia’s present and future. Our universities and colleges drive innovation, provide thousands of jobs, and generate long-term economic and social value. Making transportation more affordable for students is a direct investment in that future—one that supports education access, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens equity across the province.
We, the BC3 coalition—comprising the University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS), the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), the Alma Mater Society of the University of British Columbia (AMS), and the Students’ Union for UBC Okanagan (SUO) —alongside several other student unions, are calling for the implementation of a $10 walk-on rate ferry fare for post-secondary students. This proposal mirrors existing support for K–12 students and aims to improve accessibility, affordability, and ridership.
Evidence from other jurisdictions and modes of transportation supports our case:
These examples demonstrate that affordable fares can unlock suppressed demand, promote sustainable transportation habits, and generate long-term public value. Students typically travel during off-peak hours—filling unused capacity and presenting a low-cost opportunity to improve system utilization without adding strain.
We understand that fare adjustments must be strategic and financially sound. That’s why we propose a one-year pilot program for the $10 student fare, focused on off-peak travel and structured similarly to the K–12 discount model. This would allow BC Ferries and the provincial government to collect data on usage, costs, and impacts—providing a clear basis for potential expansion or adjustment. It would also signal to students that their mobility and contributions to the province are recognized and supported.
This initiative aligns with the BC government’s broader commitments to affordability, access to education, equity, and climate responsibility. Rather than displacing full-fare passengers, a discounted student fare would attract new users who currently avoid ferry travel due to cost—creating additional, sustainable revenue streams while supporting public goals.
In conclusion, we urge you to adopt this proposal. A $10 walk-on rate ferry fare for post-secondary students is not merely about lowering costs; it is about expanding opportunity, reinforcing the value of education, and ensuring that no student is left behind due to transportation barriers. As our province continues to adapt to economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges, strengthening our domestic infrastructure and investing in youth mobility are steps toward a more resilient and equitable future.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
The BC3 Coalition:
Solomon Yi-Kieran, Vice President External Affairs, AMS of UBC Vancouver
Jessica Lamb, Vice President External and Community Affairs, SFSS
Michael Caryk, Director of Campaigns & Community Relations, UVSS
Olivia Lai, Vice President External, SUO of UBC Okanagan
Supported by:
Citations:
