C-Tran to expand free youth bus pass program

C-Tran plans to expand its youth opportunity pass program, which provides free transit access to middle and high school students in parts of Clark County.

In doing so, the transit agency will join many other transit agencies in Washington that, as of Sept. 1, allow those 18 and/or younger to ride for free.

Details about expanding the youth opportunity pass program are being finalized, according to Eric Florip, C-Tran manager of communications, marketing and customer experience.

Funding for the project comes from the $17 billion, 16-year transportation revenue package passed by Washington State Legislature in early 2022, which set aside about $1.5 billion for local transit agencies on the condition they make trains, buses and ferries free for youth.

C-Tran plans to submit its updated youth fare policy by Oct. 1 Florip said.

The youth opportunity pass currently covers enrolled and home-schooled middle and high school students in the Vancouver, Evergreen, Battle Ground, Camas and Washougal school districts, as well as the Washington State School for the Blind, the Washington School for the Deaf and the Next Success program.