Call to Action: Create a Low-Income Transit Pass

A Low-income Transit Pass would ensure more Vancouver residents have freedom of movement and the chance to meet their needs.

Sent on , 2026 by Sacia Burton and Chantelle Spicer, BC Poverty Reduction Coalition
RE: support for Councillor Orr’s motion “Creating a Low-Income Transit Pass to Increase Efficiency, Ridership, and Equity,” for Vancouver City Council’s consideration on June 3, 2026.

Vancouver has lagged behind every other major city in Canada when it comes to ensuring dignified and deeply affordable access to transit. The steps outlined in this motion would go a long way toward ensuring that all Vancouver residents have greater freedom of movement, economic opportunities, and the chance to meet their needs. 

Starting today, a full-time worker on minimum wage in Vancouver will bring home just shy of $38,000 before taxes. The recently increased minimum wage ($18.25) falls nearly $10/hour short of Metro Vancouver’s calculated Living Wage ($28.75/hour or $57,928 annually). Improving transit access for people earning less than $40,000 would support workers in grocery stores, cafes, accommodations, tourism, and retail – industries that keep Vancouver afloat.   

By seizing this chance to lead on deeply affordable transit, Vancouver can open the door for cities and towns across BC to follow suit. As the first City in BC to pass an UNDRIP action plan and to declare a climate emergency, it is now the responsibility of Council to make decisions that uphold these declarations and commitments. 

We call on you to support the development and implementation of a Low-Income Transit Pass.