How Seniors Can Get a Yearly Bus Pass in BC

What Is the BC Seniors Bus Pass?

The BC Bus Pass Program provides low‑income seniors with a yearly bus pass valid across most public transit systems in the province. It’s designed to make transportation affordable and accessible for seniors who rely on buses for daily travel.

Where the pass works

• BC Transit buses (all BC communities)
• TransLink buses (Metro Vancouver)
• NOT included: SkyTrain, SeaBus, HandyDART, West Coast Express (these require separate payment).

Who Is Eligible?

You may qualify if you meet any of the following:

• Receive Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Receive GIS Allowance, GIS Survivor Allowance, or Spousal Allowance
• Are 60–64 and receive provincial income assistance
• Are 60+ and the spouse of someone receiving disability assistance
• Are 65+, would qualify for GIS, but haven’t lived in Canada for 10 years
• Are 60–64, live on reserve, and receive assistance from your band office

If you’re unsure, you can call the BC Bus Pass Program directly at 1‑866‑866‑0800.

How Much Does the Seniors Bus Pass Cost?

The yearly BC Bus Pass costs: $45 per year (non‑refundable) Valid January 1 – December 31.

If you apply after mid‑November, they will issue the next year’s pass only.

How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step)

You can apply online, by phone, fax, or mail.

Apply Online (fastest)

Use the Online Request for Service form. You’ll need:

• SIN
• First & last name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number

Apply by Phone

Call 1‑866‑866‑0800

• If you have a PID + PIN or SIN → choose Option 3, then Option 1
• If you don’t have a PIN → choose Option 2, then Option 1

Apply by Fax

Fax your application to: 1‑855‑771‑8788

Apply by Mail

Mail to: BC Bus Pass Program PO Box 9985, STN PROV GOVT Victoria, BC V8W 9R6

What Happens After You Apply?

Once approved:

• They mail your BC Bus Pass Compass Card
• You tap it on buses to board
• If you’re in Metro Vancouver, you must tap in and tap out on TransLink buses (but remember: the pass does not cover SkyTrain)

If your card is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement online or by phone.

Using Your BC Seniors Bus Pass

Works on:

• All BC Transit buses
• All TransLink buses

Does NOT work on:

• SkyTrain
• SeaBus
• HandyDART
• West Coast Express These require separate payment or a Concession Compass Card (see below).

What About SkyTrain, SeaBus & West Coast Express?

To ride SkyTrain or SeaBus at a discount, seniors can use a Concession Compass Card. Concession fares apply to:

• Seniors 65+ with valid photo ID
• HandyCard holders

Concession Compass Card Benefits

• Discounted fares on SkyTrain, SeaBus, West Coast Express
• Works evenings and weekends for 1‑zone pricing across the whole system
• Can be loaded with Stored Value or monthly passes

Where to get a Concession Compass Card

Available at:

• London Drugs
• Shoppers Drug Mart
• IGA
• Safeway
• Save-On-Foods
• 7‑Eleven
• Online at compasscard.ca

Seniors Travel Tips for Metro Vancouver

• All buses are always 1‑zone (no matter how far you go).
• After 6:30 p.m. weekdays, and all day weekends/holidays, SkyTrain becomes 1‑zone for everyone.
• Trips are valid for 90 minutes across bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus.
• Always tap out on SkyTrain to avoid being charged extra.
• If using a Compass Card, remove it from your wallet to avoid accidental credit card charges.

Renewing Your BC Seniors Bus Pass

Each year, you’ll receive an invoice for renewal. You can pay:

• Online
• Telephone banking
• In person at your bank

Once paid:

• Your new pass is mailed
• Or your existing card is activated for the next year

What is the BC Seniors Bus Pass?

The BC Seniors Bus Pass is a $45 yearly transit pass for eligible low‑income seniors. It provides unlimited bus travel on:

• BC Transit (all BC communities)
• TransLink buses (Metro Vancouver)

It does not include SkyTrain, SeaBus, HandyDART, or West Coast Express.

FAQs

Who qualifies for the BC Seniors Bus Pass?

You may qualify if you receive:

• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• GIS Allowance or Survivor Allowance
• Provincial income assistance (ages 60–64)
• Disability assistance (spouse aged 60+)
• Band‑administered income assistance (ages 60–64, living on reserve)
• Are 65+ and would qualify for GIS but haven’t lived in Canada for 10 years

If unsure, call 1‑866‑866‑0800.

How much does the pass cost?

The pass costs $45 per year, non‑refundable. Valid January 1 – December 31.

Where do I apply online?

You can apply on the official BC Government page: BC Bus Pass Program – Government of BC

Can I apply by phone?

Yes. Call 1‑866‑866‑0800. Use your SIN or Person ID (PID) when prompted.

Can I apply by mail or fax?

Yes. Mail: BC Bus Pass Program PO Box 9985 STN PROV GOVT Victoria, BC V8W 9R6

Fax: 1‑855‑771‑8788

How long does it take to receive my pass?

Most seniors receive their pass within 2–4 weeks. It arrives by mail as a Compass Card (Metro Vancouver) or BC Bus Pass card (rest of BC).

Where can I use the BC Seniors Bus Pass?

You can use it on:

• All BC Transit buses
• All TransLink buses

You cannot use it on:

• SkyTrain
• SeaBus
• HandyDART
• West Coast Express

Does the pass work on SkyTrain?

No. To ride SkyTrain at a discount, seniors need a Concession Compass Card.

What is a Concession Compass Card?

It’s a discounted fare card for:

• Seniors 65+
• HandyCard holders

It gives cheaper fares on:

• SkyTrain
• SeaBus
• West Coast Express

You can buy one at London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Safeway, Save‑On‑Foods, 7‑Eleven, or online at compasscard.ca.

How do I renew my BC Seniors Bus Pass?

Each year, you’ll receive an invoice. You can pay:

• Online
• Telephone banking
• At your bank

Once paid, your pass is activated for the next year.

What if my bus pass is lost or stolen?

You can request a replacement:

• Online
• By phone at 1‑866‑866‑0800

Do I need to tap my Compass Card on buses?

Yes — in Metro Vancouver, always tap in and tap out on buses.

Are there special senior discounts on evenings or weekends?

Yes. After 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and all day weekends/holidays, SkyTrain becomes 1‑zone for everyone, including seniors.

Can I use Stored Value with my Concession Compass Card?

Yes. You can load:

• Stored Value
• Monthly passes
• DayPasses

Can seniors ride Handy DART with the BC Bus Pass?

No. HandyDART requires separate payment or a HandyDART fare product.

Does the pass work outside Metro Vancouver?

Yes — the BC Seniors Bus Pass works on all BC Transit buses across the province.

What if I move to a different city?

Call 1‑866‑866‑0800 to update your address. Your pass remains valid anywhere in BC.

Conclusion

This Bus Pass for Seniors in BC is a heck of a deal. For me getting on a bus is a complicated matter. Now I don’t take buses at all but the idea of just jumping on a bus showing them a card and taking a seat is and adventure. You get to tour many beautiful places around the lower mainland and area all for free once you have the pass. Heck you could even bring a snack or two. What are your thoughts I would love to hear from you.

Visit Seniors Canada Info Benefits Page

Official Bus Pass Site

Disclosure: SeniorsCanadaInfo.ca is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Government of British Columbia, BC Transit, TransLink, or any official agency. This article is for general guidance only. Program rules, eligibility, and fees may change. Seniors should always confirm details directly with the BC Bus Pass Program or TransLink before applying or traveling.