Parents & Guardians

Safety is BC Transit’s top priority.

BC Transit has a comprehensive Safety Code to ensure that all passengers and transit staff understand their responsibilities and to create a respectful, inclusive environment for everyone.

Our drivers are trained to assist children and can contact emergency services if needed.

BC Transit works closely with local police and first responders to ensure rapid support when necessary. If your child ever feels unsafe while riding the bus, they are encouraged to speak to the driver. Let your child know they can sit close to the front near the driver and follow the driver’s instructions.

Serious incidents are rare, but we encourage open conversations with your child about what to do if they feel unsure or uncomfortable.

Whether your child misses the bus or the bus is too full to stop (called a pass-up), it helps to have a plan in place. Talking through these situations ahead of time builds confidence and keeps your child safe.

Make a backup plan

• Talk about what to do: Should they wait for the next bus? Call a parent or guardian? Walk to a nearby safe place?
• Look at other options: Review other bus routes together so they know there’s a backup if needed.
• Practice the steps: If possible, walk through the routine so your child feels ready and knows what to expect.

Understanding pass-ups

Sometimes buses are too full to safely take more passengers. Effective August 18, 2025, buses in the Victoria region show “Standing Room Only” when all seats are taken. Drivers will still stop and open the doors so more riders can board, if there’s room to stand safely behind the red line.

If the bus doesn’t stop or your child can’t get on, they should wait calmly for the next one. It’s not safe to chase or run after a bus.

Safety first

• Encourage your child to stay calm, follow traffic rules and wait in a safe, visible spot.
• Build in extra time for the walk to the bus stop. Arriving five minutes early avoids rushing.

No, children aged 12 and under are not required to present a fare product or valid ID. BC Transit uses the honour system to support this program.

Paid transit fares start when your child turns 13 years old.

Depending on your transit system, there are:

• Concession fares your child may be eligible to use or student passes.
• Extended free fare or fare products for youth older than 12 years old.

Please check your system on the BC Transit website or local government website.

If your child leaves an item on the bus, contact your local transit office as soon as possible. You can find contact details by selecting your transit system on the BC Transit website.

Be ready to provide a clear description of the item, as well as the route and time it was lost.

Please note: It may take up to 72 hours for items to be processed through Lost and Found.

While our drivers do their best to return lost items, BC Transit is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. We recommend labeling important items and encouraging your child to double-check before exiting the bus.

Yes, your child can bring their bicycle or scooter, but there are a few things to know:

• Regular bicycles go on the front bike rack. Bicycle rack space is limited as it only holds two bikes. If it’s full when the bus arrives, your child will need to wait for the next bus.
• Electric bicycles can also go on the bike rack if:
  • It weighs less than 25 kg (55 lb).
  • If there is a lithium battery, it must be removed and carried on board.
• Electric bikes with non-lithium batteries or moped-style scooters are not allowed on the bus or bike rack.
• Foldable scooters, regular or electric, can be brought on board if it’s folded before boarding. Your child should keep the scooter in front of them, either on their lap or by their feet, so it doesn’t block the aisle.
• Tire size matters: Most BC Transit buses can carry bikes with tires up to 3 inches (75 mm) wide. Some buses only fit tires up to 2 inches (50.8 mm).

Get step-by-step instructions with the how to use the bike rack video.

Children aged 6 to 12 can ride for free on their own.

Children aged 5 and under must travel with someone aged 12 or older and get on and off at the same stop.

Parents and guardians decide whether their child is ready to travel alone and are responsible for their child’s safety and care while using transit. 

If a driver believes a child is too young to ride alone or appears in distress, they will keep the child safely on board and call for assistance.

Yes. Children aged 6 to 12 can ride handyDART for free without a fare product.

Children aged 5 and under ride free when accompanied by an attendant. Customers still need to apply for handyDART service, but there is no fee to apply.