BC Ferries urged to create $10 walk-on fare for university students | Daily Hive

University student unions urge BC Ferries to create $10 fares for post-secondary foot passengers

Spirit of British Columbia vessel. (BC Ferries)

A coalition of student unions representing tens of thousands of post-secondary students across British Columbia is calling on BC Ferries and the provincial government to implement a new $10 walk-on foot passenger fare for university and college students.

In a new open letter, the BC3 coalition — comprising the leaders of Alma Mater Society of UBC (AMS), Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS), and Students’ Union of UBC Okanagan (SUO) — argues that the current fare structure does not provide post-secondary students with special consideration.

The letter was addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, federal Minister of Housing Gregor Robertson, BC Ferries commissioner Eva Hage, BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez, Premier David Eby, and key provincial cabinet ministers, including B.C. Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth.

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“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,” reads the letter.

The new $10.00 fare for post-secondary students boarding on foot would align with existing discounts for primary and secondary school-age children.

They suggest launching the discounted fare as a one-year pilot program during off-peak periods. The student leaders argue the plan would allow BC Ferries and the provincial government to collect data on ridership patterns and financial impacts before deciding on permanent changes.

They cite a few precedents supporting discounted travel for young people and students, including B.C.’s discounted U-Pass public transit pass for post-secondary students, VIA Rail and Ebus’ student discounts that encourage loyalty and fill unused seats, and Washington State Ferries’ free walk-on rides for foot passengers under 18 years old since 2023, which led to a major increase in youth ridership. As well, Hullo Ferries saw increased ridership from introducing 50 per cent youth discounts.

Since 2021, with additional operating subsidies provided by the provincial government to replace the fare revenue, TransLink and BC Transit expanded free rides to children up to age 12.

“This initiative aligns with the B.C. 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,” continues the letter.

This request comes at a time when BC Ferries is experiencing major structural cost pressures due to rising operating and capital expenses, including the cost of renewing its aging fleet with new modern vessels boasting a higher capacity, and overhauling outdated ferry terminal infrastructure.

In a statement to Daily Hive Urbanized, BC Ferries says they acknowledge the financial pressures many students face, but emphasized the importance of fare revenue to support their operations. The ferry corporation noted that such discounted fares would need to be supported and at least partly funded by the provincial government, and approved by the independent BC Ferries commissioner.

“BC Ferries recognizes the financial pressures many students face and appreciates their advocacy on this issue as the cost of living continues to rise. Our fares are regulated by the independent BC Ferries Commission under the Coastal Ferry Act, which establishes the framework for how fares and service levels are set,” said the ferry corporation in its statement.

“While BC Ferries receives partial funding from the Province under the Coastal Ferry Services Contract to support specific routes, service levels, and provincially funded programs, such as discounts for students under 19 and free mid-week travel for BC seniors, the majority of system costs are covered directly by ferry users through fares. Any new fare categories or discounts, including those for post-secondary students, would require direction and funding from the provincial government.”

Last year, BC Ferries indicated a one-year fare increase equivalent to about a 30 per cent hike is projected to be necessary in 2028 in order for the ferry corporation to simply keep up and manage its operations and capital costs.

There is also increasing demand for BC Ferries’ services, particularly in vehicle traffic on major routes connecting Metro Vancouver with Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. While vehicle decks often reach capacity quickly, especially during busy periods, most sailings generally still have available space for walk-on foot passengers.

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