Beginning in 2026, transit fares across Metro Vancouver will increase by five per cent, followed by annual increases of two per cent under TransLink’s 10-year investment plan. TransLink has stated that these increases are intended to maintain fiscal sustainability through 2027 and to support service expansions across dozens of routes.
For many families, however, the cost of transportation is not just a budget concern. It can be a barrier to students getting to school.
A recent CBC News investigation found that student absences have risen sharply in British Columbia’s largest school districts. In the Vancouver School Board, absences doubled in elementary schools and more than tripled in secondary schools between October 2018 and October 2025. During the same period, unexcused absences in secondary schools increased by 86 per cent, despite only modest growth in overall student enrollment.
Experts interviewed by CBC emphasized that affordability pressures play a significant role. Families facing housing insecurity, food insecurity, and rising living costs may also struggle to cover transportation, internet access, and other essentials required for school participation. Older students may take on paid work or caregiving responsibilities to support their families, further increasing the risk of missed classes.
Research consistently shows that increased absenteeism is linked to lower graduation rates, particularly for secondary students. As transit fares continue to rise, it is important to consider how transportation costs intersect with equity, access, and student well-being.
Sign up to speak at Translink’s March 25, 2026 TransLink meeting where they will vote on a 5% fare increase and a new tariff (sign up before March 23, 2026): https://www.translink.ca/about-us/about-translink/board-of-directors#board-meetings
CBC Article:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/school-absences-increasing-b-c-9.7040465
Published on behalf of Vancouver DPAC’s Active Transportation and Safe Routes Working Group