Transportation can be a barrier for low-income people due to the costs involved. Below are listed some resources that can help.
Helpful Links
BC Bus Pass: The BC government offers a reduced-cost BC Bus Pass Program for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, providing unlimited access to BC Transit buses. Applications can be done online at My Self Serve, and more information and for other methods of application visit the BC Government website or call 1-866-866-0800 for more information.
For people with disabilities
BC Ferries Accessible Fare Identification Card Application: Discounted fares are available for residents of British Columbia who have a permanent disability. To receive the discounted fare you must apply for a BC Ferries’ Accessible Fare Identification Card and present your card to the Ticket Agent when you arrive at the terminal.
Nanaimo BC Transit – handyDART Contact: handyDART is an accessible, door-to-door shared transit service for people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route transit without assistance from another person.
Fuel tax refund for persons with disabilities: Can help reduce your transportation costs.
Canada Revenue Refund on Gasoline Excise Tax: Can help reduce your transportation costs.
ICBC Disability Discount: Vehicle owners whose mobility is permanently impaired may qualify for a 25 percent discount off the cost of Basic Autoplan.
For Seniors
ElderDog Nanaimo walks dogs for seniors for free. Also offers free emergency dog fostering for people in hospital or shelters, free transportation to vet appointments, dog food pickups, minor grooming.
LRCA Medical Transport: Offers free transportation with a wheelchair accessible van to Ladysmith seniors who have medical appointments in Duncan or Nanaimo.
For medical issues
Wheels for Wellness: Provides transportation for residents of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, to and from non-emergency medical appointments.
Canadian Cancer Society – Wheels of Hope Volunteer Driving Program – British Columbia: connects people who need transportation to cancer treatments with volunteer drivers. Our drivers are trained to provide safe and reliable rides to approved cancer treatment facilities. In British Columbia, this program is available in the Interior, in Prince George and on Vancouver Island.
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 