Wednesday April 22, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
BC Transit for the sixth year is providing free ridership on their buses on Earth Day today, April 22.
Earth Day highlights the importance of sustainability and encourages people to make choices that reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and help protect our environment.
BC Transit believes that taking public transit is one way to make a difference.
The following transit systems are providing free transit for both fixed-route and handyDART services to make it easier:
- Chilliwack Transit System – does not include Fraser Valley Express
- South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System – Penticton routes only
- Victoria Regional Transit System
- West Kootenay Transit System
BC Transit acknowledges the City of Chilliwack, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, Regional District of Central Kootenay, City of Nelson, City of Penticton and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission for their support of free transit on Earth Day.
Other climate-friendly action:
BC Transit has undertaken several projects over the years to support a healthier, more sustainable environment. This includes the Electrification and the Updated Fleet Acquisition Strategy.
BC Transit says it works towards CleanBC climate action goals. Through their Low Carbon Fleet Program, BC Transit continues efforts to modernize the fleet and reduce GHG emissions. Getting new electric buses is part of that.
Electric Bus Project:
As part of this work, BC Transit is delivering Phase One of its Electric Bus Project, which will see 125 electric buses deployed across eight transit systems, including Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Nelson, Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Victoria, and Whistler.
BC Transit is also working to procure heavy-duty hybrid buses.
Environmental Sustainability Plan:
In 2024, BC Transit issued their Environmental Sustainability Plan.
Part of the plan includes attention to climate resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
“The Environmental Sustainability Plan commits BC Transit to work towards ensuring climate risk, resilience and sustainable design are an integral part of infrastructure and investment planning. BC Transit will also work to embed sustainable building standards and climate resiliency across its business processes by 2028,” says BC Transit in their 2024 report.
===== RELATED:
- BC Transit announces 125 electric buses with 62 destined for Victoria (June 26, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: BC TRANSIT | WEST SHORE LOCAL | EARTH DAY