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Travel Assistance Program - Subsidized Travel on Ferries, Rail, Air (TAP BC)

Disability services , financial , seniors services , and transportation, provided by government of british columbia.

  • Non-emergency medical specialist services available at the closest location outside the patient's community; and
  • Diagnostic procedures, laboratory procedures, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine procedures, BC Cancer Agency, Transplant Units, HIV/AIDS treatment at St. Paul's Hospital, specialty clinics at BC Children's Hospital and other tertiary care hospital services.
  • Patient transfer from one facility to another;
  • GP to GP referrals;
  • Supplementary benefit practitioner services (e.g., acupuncturist, optometry, physical therapy, massage therapy, podiatry, non-hospital based dentistry, naturopathy, and chiropractic services); and
  • Non-insured services (e.g., cosmetic surgery, experimental procedures, clinical drug trials, preventative medicine).

Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content...

Service is available in English.

Cost: No cost

Associated Programs/Services

Also offered by Government of British Columbia :

  • Defer Your Property Taxes Program
  • WorkBC Centre - Employment Support
  • At Home Program - Disability Funding

Availability

Service area: Province-wide

Service Types Provided

  • Disabled Transportation
  • Transportation : Medical Appointment Transportation
  • Medical Appointment Transportation

Ways to Access

  • Service provided at multiple locations
  • Service provided online: email / video / on-line

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Your division of family practice is Vancouver. You can find more information about divisions in British Columbia here.

The division you are linked to defines your local referral area which determines what you see on specialty pages and your search results. You can always broaden your results by using the cities filter on the bottom right of specialty pages or in the search by clicking the 'all divisions' filter.

If you believe your division needs to be changed please navigate to 'You -> Contact Us' in the top menu and send us a message so we can help you further.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

[email protected]

If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  • In which city/town do you work?
  • What is your role? E.g. Family Physician, Office Staff, Medical Resident
  • Employer Name (for office staff)
  • Office Phone

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  • Know Before You Go
  • Special Offers & Fares

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answer you need when planning your trip on the BC Ferries Connector with these helpful Frequently Asked Questions.

We welcome responses to the survey from all members of the community. If for any reason, should you require the survey in an alternate format (hard copy, PDF version, by phone etc.), please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 778-405-0231 (Ext. 1030) for aid or with any questions you may have.

Tickets & Fares

Passengers age 19+.

BC Resident Adult

Passengers age 19+ with a valid form of British Columbia ID are eligible for our BC Resident Adult fare. Valid forms of ID are a BC ID, BC Driver’s License, or BC Services Card that must be shown to the driver at check-in.

When booking: Type yes in the ‘ Do you have a valid ID ’ box if you have a valid BC ID. (The word ‘yes’ is case sensitive and must be lowercase.)

Passengers age 65+.

BC Resident Senior

Passengers age 65+ with a valid form of British Columbia ID are eligible for our BC Resident Senior fare. This fare is offered in partnership with BC Ferries, who provide BC Resident Seniors with a free ferry fare on certain days of the week (excluding select holidays). Valid forms of ID are a BC ID, BC Driver’s License, BC Services Card or the old BC Care Card ( must be the Gold Care Card, as the old Care Cards do not have birth dates on them) that must be shown to the driver at check-in.

Disabled Passenger

Passengers with certain forms of disability ID are eligible for our Disabled Adult and/or Disabled Child Fare. The disability ID must be either a valid CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), or DSI (BC Ferries Disability) card to show the driver during check-in. Passengers with the correct ID are allowed one companion who can receive the reduced fare as well. This fare type is only available through our reservations center and cannot be booked online. Please email our reservations center at least 72 hours in advance of when you wish to travel, to allow one of our reservation agents to contact you and arrange this fare.

Travel Assistance Program (TAPS)

Passengers who have been issued a Travel Assistance Program (TAPS form) from Health BC are eligible for our TAPS fare. The pass must be signed by a doctor and completely filled out by the passenger (including the confirmation number), in order to give to the driver when boarding. This fare type is only available through our reservations center and cannot be booked online. Please email our reservations center at least 72 hours in advance of when you wish to travel, to allow one of our reservations agents to contact you and arrange for this fare.

Post-Secondary Student

Passengers age 19+ with a valid ID for a Post-Secondary Institution are eligible for our Post-Secondary Student fare. A valid student ID (cannot be expired), for a post-secondary institution must be shown to driver during check-in.

When booking: Type student in the ‘ Do you have a valid ID ’ box if you have a valid BC ID. (The word ‘student’ is case sensitive and must be lowercase.)

Passengers age 12-18. Please note: 12-year old youths cannot travel unaccompanied by an adult/guardian.

Passengers age 5-11. Children cannot travel unaccompanied by an adult/guardian.

Passengers age 0-4 with seat assignment. Toddlers cannot travel unaccompanied by an adult or guardian.

Child Seats for Toddlers/Children:

Children weighing up to 18 kg (40 lbs.) who board a seatbelt equipped vehicle are required to ride in an approved CMVSS car seat supplied by the child’s parent or caregiver, and be secured to the vehicle using the seatbelt (lap belt). Children over 18 kg (40 lbs.) are required to use the lap belt restraint system; however, booster seats are not to be used with only a lap belt restraint system. In the event a passenger brings a car seat and the vehicle is not equipped with seatbelts or restraints, The Company will store the car seat with the checked luggage for no charge. Visit the ICBC website for specific details on child car seats. ICBC Website: https://www.icbc.com/brochures/Pages/child-car-seats.aspx

It is the responsibility of the child’s parent/caregiver to provide car seat(s) where required. The Company is not responsible for supplying car seats, nor can The Company guarantee compatibility of any car seat with its vehicles, if equipped with seatbelts/restraints.

Rates and Fares may vary based on the date/time of travel and the date/time of booking. Please visit our Book Now  page for exact pricing and schedules based on your travel information.

Children/Youth/Students must be 13 years of age or older to travel unaccompanied by an adult on any scheduled services. The Company will not be responsible for unaccompanied minors while they are aboard our buses, transferring buses, or aboard the BC Ferries.

Unaccompanied Minors age 13-18 must travel with a photo ID that includes their name and birth date, in order to prove they are of sufficient age to travel alone when checking in with the driver.

No. Round trips must be to/from the exact same locations each way. If you would like to book a trip that has different locations on the return, you would need to book your trip as two different one-way trips. (You can book multiple one-way trips on the same transaction by clicking the continue shopping button after booking the first part of the trip).

Flexible Tickets are refundable, and changes to date and time are available.

Changes to a similar-priced or more expensive location are available, but there will be a cost associated. A “Transaction Fee” of $5.00 +tax will be charged for all changes.

Changes to a cheaper location or to the passenger type are not available, though you do have the option of cancelling/refunding your current ticket and purchasing a new ticket with the new details you want. (“Transaction Fees” will not be refunded).

Changes must be made at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departure time.

Refunds are available on unused tickets if requested before 1pm PST the day PRIOR to the scheduled travel date/time.

In the event of a cancellation and refund, any “Transaction Fee” of 5.00 +tax that was applied to any of your purchases will NOT be refunded.

Passengers who bought “Non-Refundable Tickets” prior to November 6th 2022, the Non-Refundable ticket cancellation rules still apply to those tickets.

Date and Time Changes: For those passengers who have purchased Flexible Tickets, Basic date and time changes can be made using our convenient online self-service feature. Changes to date using our self serve feature are available, but there will be a cost associated. A “Transaction Fee” of $5.00 +tax will be charged for all changes and there will also be potential additional charges, if the new ticket is more expensive than the previous one.

How to Change the Date or Time of Departure:

  • Go to your confirmation Email.
  • Click the blue ‘Click here’ link in your confirmation email next to the ticket you wish to change.
  • Enter the new date and time.

Can’t find your confirmation email? No Problem! Try these instructions instead:

  • Select  Change Ticket
  • Manually enter your ticket number
  • Manually enter the last name of the passenger (as spelled on the ticket, case-sensitive)
  • Enter new date and time.

Please email our reservation center if you would like assistance with any part of this process, and include the ticket or transaction numbers, the details of your requested changes, and a contact phone number. Reservation Email: [email protected]

Flexible Ticket Policy:

Location Changes: You must email our reservation center before 1pm PST the day PRIOR to the scheduled travel date/time to make a change to your locations. Changes to a similar or more expensive location can be made to the existing ticket, though there will be a cost associated with the change. A “Transaction Fee” of $5.00 +tax will be charged for all changes. Changes to a cheaper location are not available, but passengers are welcome to cancel their ticket and book a new one with the cheaper location. Any “Transaction Fees” paid on any of your purchases will not be refunded. Please email our reservation center to request a change of location, and include the ticket or transaction numbers, the details of your requested changes, and a contact phone number. Reservation Email: [email protected]

We are unable to change the passenger type once a ticket has been purchased.

Passengers who bought Flexible Tickets are welcome to cancel the ticket and book a new ticket with the correct passenger type, however any transactions fees you have paid will not be refunded. If you are a Flexible ticket holder, and wish to cancel your ticket and rebook with the cheaper fare, please email our reservation center to request a cancellation, and include the ticket or transaction numbers, as well as the details of your cancellation. Reservation Email: [email protected]

Flexible Ticket: Flexible Tickets are refundable, and changes to date and time are available.

Please email our reservation center to request a cancellation, and include the ticket or transaction numbers, as well as the details of your cancellation. Reservation Email: [email protected]

Walk-Up Tickets

Walk-up tickets for same day travel and pre-reservation tickets for future travel are both available in person at our bus depots during specific time periods.  Please note that these in-person times are limited, so we do recommend pre-reserving your tickets online whenever possible.

Regular Hours:

Victoria Bus Depot: Capital City Station, 721 Douglas Street, Victoria BC. Ticket Counter Hours October-April: Open 08:00am-3:30pm PST. Victoria Bus Depot will be closed on the following dates: February 19th, 2024; March 29th, 2024.

Payment Types Accepted at Victoria Depot: Cash**, Debit Card, Credit Card. **Please note that Victoria Bus Depot will only be accepting cash payments up until January 31st, 2024. Starting February 1st, 2024, the Victoria Bus Depot will only accept debit card or credit card payments.

Vancouver Bus Depot: Pacific Central Station, 1150 Station Street Ticket Counter Hours Open 06:00am-9:30am Open 11:00am-11:30am Open 1:00pm-3:30pm

Payment Types Accepted at Vancouver Depot: Cash, Debit Card, Credit Card

Onboard Select BC Ferries Sailings

Drivers sell walk-up tickets on the ferry on a “first come, first served” basis during the first 30min of sailing only. Our buses are only travelling on the Tsawwassen/Swartz Bay ferries and are not travelling on all sailings.

Please contact us by email at [email protected] to confirm that the ferry you are travelling on will have a bus, and what to do with luggage, before making any travel arrangements.

Yes. We do offer a service to meet passengers onboard select BC Ferries Sailings, both reservation and walkup.

*Important Note: Our bus service only runs on specific ferry sailings on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen Ferry Route and on-board seats are limited. If you have any questions regarding booking,  what to do with luggage , or which ferry sailing you should be on, please email us at [email protected] for assistance.*

Tsawwassen – Meet Driver/Bus on Ferry:

  • Make a reservation for the ‘From location’ of Tsawwassen and the ‘Pickup location’ of Tsawwassen – Meet Bus and Driver Onboard the Ferry.
  • Example: 11:00 pickup would mean you need to be on the 11am sailing.
  • Example: 17:00 pickup would mean you need to be on the 5pm sailing.
  • Ferry Ticket not included.
  • You must purchase a ferry ticket for the correct sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay from the BC Ferries foot-passenger desk at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
  • Board the ferry for your sailing as a foot passenger.
  • You must check in with the bus driver at their desk on the passenger desk of the ferry within the first 30 minutes of sailing.

*Important Note: Our bus service only runs on specific ferry sailings on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen Ferry Route and on-board seats are limited. If you have any questions regarding booking, what to do with luggage, or which ferry sailing you should be on, please email us at [email protected] for assistance.*

Swartz Bay – Meet Driver/Bus on Ferry:

  • Make a reservation for the ‘From location’ of Swartz Bay and the ‘Pickup location’ of Swartz Bay – Meet Bus and Driver Onboard the Ferry.
  • You must purchase a ferry ticket for the correct sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen from the BC Ferries foot-passenger desk at the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.

Walkup Tickets

Drivers sell walk-up tickets on the ferry on a “first come, first served” basis during the first 30min of sailing only. Our buses are only travelling on the Tsawwassen/Swartz Bay ferry routes and are not travelling on all sailings.

Please contact us by email at [email protected] to confirm that the ferry you are travelling on will have a bus, and what to do with luggage , before making any travel arrangements.

Yes, the BC Ferries Connector does answer inquiries and allow ticket purchase (credit card or debit visa card only), over the phone.

Phone lines are open from 8am-2:30pm daily except for statutory holidays. Please note that our staffing is very limited at this time, so please expect to need to leave us a voicemail with your name, phone number, and a short message describing your inquiry. Our staff will return voicemails as soon as possible, and in the order received, but there will be delays to our responses and not all voicemails will be answered on the same day that the message is left with us. We highly recommend making bookings tickets through our website instead of over the phone whenever possible, as well as checking out the Frequently Asked Questions page on our website for basic luggage, accessibility, and purchase inquiries.

If you are looking for information, want to make a cancellation or amendment, or wish to make a booking over the phone, we recommend you call us a minimum of 3 days in advance of the date you are supposed to travel, to allow time for us to return your call and assist you prior to your travel date. If you are calling about travel that has already been purchased, have your transaction number available and ready to tell the reservations staff. For those calling us from outside North America, we are unable to call back international phone numbers, so we recommend sending us an email instead of leaving a voicemail in that case. Our reservations phone number is 1-888-788-8840, select line #1 for scheduled services, and then line #1 again for the BC Ferries Connector.

Phone Hours:

  • 8am-2:30pm (PDT)
  • Phone reservations and inquires are NOT available on the following dates: December 25th & 26th 2023, January 1st 2024.

Accessibility

For passengers who require the service of a wheelchair-lift equipped coach, please note that we require reservations and full prepayment AT LEAST 72 hours in advance of the trip. Please select ‘Wheelchair Passenger (Wheelchair-Lift Required)’ under the ‘Additional Services’ button on the passenger information screen.

Please note that The Company has a limited number of wheelchair-lift equipped coaches in its fleet. Also, due to safety considerations, wheelchair-lift services can only be arranged to/from certain locations. If our lift-equipped coaches are not available for the travel locations and times you have selected, The Company will contact the customer to make any necessary adjustments to their trip, such as changing the date and/or departure time of travel, or providing a full refund if The Company cannot meet the customer’s needs.

For passengers who use mobility aids i.e. walkers, foldable wheelchairs, and can board the coach with some assistance; we are able to store the non-motorized mobility aid under the coach for no additional charge. Please select ‘Mobility Aid’ under the ‘Additional Services’ button on the passenger information screen.

For passengers who use motorized scooters and can board the coach with some assistance; we can accommodate the motorized scooter at no additional charge if they are 50lbs or less, and the battery can be removed by the passenger or their companion. Please select ‘Motorized Scooter’ under the ‘Additional Services’ button on the passenger information screen.

If you have any additional accessibility related questions, please email our reservation center for assistance. Reservation Email: [email protected]

Please see Wheelchair and Motorized Scooter FAQs for additional accessibility information.

Please see Wheelchair and Mobility Aid FAQs for additional accessibility information.

Passengers with certain forms of disability ID are eligible for our Disabled Adult and/or Disabled Child Fare. The disability ID must be either a valid CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), or BC Ferries Accessible Fare Identification ( AFI ) card to show the driver during check-in. Passengers with the correct ID are allowed one companion who can receive the reduced fare as well. This fare type is only available through our reservations center and cannot be booked online. Please email our reservations center with a request to book a Disability fare (and include a contact phone number), at least 72 hours in advance of when you wish to travel to allow one of our reservations agents to contact you and arrange for this fare.  Reservation Email: [email protected]

Passengers who have been issued a Travel Assistance Program (TAPS form) from Health BC are eligible for our TAPS fare. The pass must be signed by a doctor and completely filled out by the passenger (including the confirmation number), in order to give to the driver when boarding. This fare type is only available through our reservations center and cannot be booked online. Please email our reservations center with a request to book a TAPS fare (and include a contact phone number), at least 72 hours in advance of when you wish to travel to allow one of our reservations agents to contact you and arrange for this fare.  Reservation Email: [email protected]

Yes. All baggage must be tagged with an appropriate destination baggage tag and contact information of passenger. The Company assumes no liability for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage. Baggage is the responsibility of the traveler.

Baggage is limited to 2 pieces per traveler, 1 checked bag [(22.5 kg/50 lbs or less) up to 61 x 61 x 114cm or 24″ x 24″ x 45″] in size and 1 carry-on personal item [(20lbs or less) up to 43.5 cm x 33 cm x 15.5 cm or 17” x 13” x 6”]. Please note that bus overhead bins are smaller than airline overhead bins, so the dimensions of a standard airline sized carry-on bag would not fit in an overhead bin onboard the bus, if your carry-on is too big to fit overhead, we will store it underneath the bus with checked baggage during travel. Additional checked baggage, specialty and oversize baggage can be accepted for an additional fee with a pre-reservation.

Stops marked ‘Hand Carry-on Bags only’ do not accept any form of checked or specialty baggage, only the 1 carry-on personal item [(20lbs or less) up to 43.5 cm x 33 cm x 15.5 cm or 17” x 13” x 6”] will be accepted at these stops. Please read the ‘Can I bring a checked bag’ FAQ and the “Prohibited and restricted baggage’ FAQ for more details about specific baggage rules for specialty/oversize baggage prior to booking. Baggage over the weight of 22.5kg/50lbs is not accepted on any service and must have its weight reduced before it can be transported.

Yes. Oversize and Specialty baggage will be accepted for transport on a space available basis for an extra charge with a reservation and pre-payment and must be properly contained in a box or bag. Any baggage over the size of 61 x 61 x 114cm or 24″ x 24″ x 45″ is considered oversize baggage. Oversize baggage cannot be longer than 7foot 9inches (7’9″). You may use 1 piece of specialty baggage as your complimentary checked bag provided you are travelling with no other checked baggage and it is an accepted type of specialty baggage on the service you are travelling on. Please read the ‘Can I bring a checked bag’ FAQ and the ‘Prohibited and restricted baggage’ FAQ for more details about specific baggage rules for specialty/oversize baggage prior to booking.

Baggage over the weight of 22.5kg/50lbs is NOT accepted on any service and must have its weight reduced before it can be transported.  We reserve the right to deny boarding to passengers with baggage that weighs more than the weight limit of 50lbs

Prohibited and Restricted Baggage

It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure their baggage is allowed to be transported as baggage before traveling on our services. A list of restricted and prohibited baggage is available on our website. If you are unsure if your baggage qualifies as restricted or prohibited baggage, you must contact The Company and inquire if you are allowed to bring that baggage and how it should be transported.

Restricted Baggage

Restricted baggage is allowed to be transported on our bus services under specific conditions.

  • Aerosols – Must be less than 1L and can be transported as Checked Baggage only.
  • Alcoholic Beverages and Liquors – Can be transported in Checked Baggage only, must be stored securely within checked baggage.
  • Sporting Goods – Can be transported as Checked Baggage only. Must be contained in a proper box or bag.
  • Sharp Objects – Can be transported as Checked Baggage only. Exception: Sharp objects such as swords, sabers, meat cleavers, etc., are prohibited and cannot be transported at all.
  • Fragile Baggage and/or Baggage worth more than $100.00 – Can be transported provided it is not prohibited baggage, and is following all general, weight, oversize, specialty, and restricted baggage rules. The passenger acknowledges that by choosing to transport fragile baggage or baggage over the value of $100.00, that they are responsible for getting insurance for their baggage for its true value independently (not through The Company) if they wish to have insurance, and The Company is only liable up to its listed maximum liability and is only liable in the event of LOSS ONLY. The Company is under no circumstances liable for any fragile baggage or baggage over the value of $100.00 in the event of damage.

Prohibited Baggage

Prohibited baggage is not allowed on any of our services and will not be transported. Passengers with prohibited baggage will be denied boarding.

  • Explosive Substances
  • Flammable Substances
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Other Dangerous Goods (Chemicals, Aerosols larger than 1L, Compressed Gas, Swords, Meat Cleavers, Sabers, Fuel, etc.)
  • Martial Arts and Self Defense Items
  • Any article, Material, or substance the possession of which or the transportation of which is unlawful or controlled.
  • Baggage over the weight of 22.5kg/50lbs is NOT accepted on any service and must have its weight reduced before it can be transported.

Please read the ‘Can I bring a checked bag’ FAQ and the ‘Can I bring an Oversize Bag, Bicycle, Golf Clubs, Surfboard, Skis, or Snowboard?’ FAQ for more details about normal baggage rules, as well as specific baggage rules for specialty/oversize baggage, prior to booking.

No. We cannot take items without passengers accompanying them.

Baggage liability in the event of loss or damage is limited to a maximum of $100.00 per traveler for travelers over the age of 11 and is limited to a maximum of $50.00 per traveler aged 11 and younger. Loss or damage to baggage must be reported within ten (10) days after the date of travel.

Capital City Station (Victoria Bus Depot), offers secure luggage storage at it’s location: 721 Douglas Street, Victoria BC.

Luggage Storage Prices:

  • Up to 1 hour: $2.50 per bag
  • Up to 2 hours: $5.00 per bag
  • Up to 4 hours: $8.00 per bag
  • Full Day (opening to closing): $12.00 per bag
  • Overnight (opening day 1 to closing day 2): $20.00 per bag

Luggage storage is the same price regardless of the size of bag. A full-sized luggage and a small personal carry-on would be the same price regardless of size. The only exception would be extremely large objects such as Bicycles, Scooters, Surfboards, etc. which will be looked at on a case-by-case basis depending on storage space available that day, and may have an additional charge in order to accommodate storage.

Do I need to be a bus passenger to store my luggage?:

No, the station is happy to store luggage for customers even if they aren’t taking a bus that day.

The station cannot store the following:

  • Illegal Goods
  • Living Plants or Animals
  • Food or Perishable Goods
  • Cash & Securities
  • Firearms, Munitions, or Explosives
  • Toxic, Polluted, or Contaminated Goods

Hours of Operation:

Luggage storage is available during the hours of operation for the Capital City Station. See the FAQ called “Where can I purchase tickets in person?” to see the current hours for the Bus Depot.

Customer Accounts

If you have made a purchase on the BC Ferries Connector, VI Connector, Tofino Bus, YYJ Airport Shuttle, or Mount Washington Ski Bus since April 1st 2020, an account would have automatically been created for you.

Customer accounts can be used to keep track of all your purchases and travel information, any unused bundles or passes, re-print or access any lost tickets, and save yourself time filling out passenger and purchaser information when making new bookings.

Send an email to  [email protected] let us know the first name, last name, email address, and phone number you used when you made your purchase, and our staff will go into your account and send you an activation email. Select the password reset link in that email and set your password.

  • Go to the booking section of our website

bc travel assistance program

  • Select the Sign-In button again.
  • Log-in using your customer number. (You can switch to email log-in by selecting the option in your profile once you are logged in).

First-Time Logging-In:

If you are logging in to your account for the first time since you created it, you will need to use your Customer # as the login, and enter your password.

Logging-In with Email Address:

If you would like to login with an email address instead of your Customer #, you must first turn on that option inside your account. Until you have turned on the option, you must login with your Customer #.

  • Login to your account using your Customer #
  • Go to the Menu (Upper right hand corner, looks like a person shaped symbol).
  • Go to Profile
  • Select the ‘Login with Email’ option
  • Save your profile.

If you would like to login with an email address instead of your Customer #, you must first turn on that option inside your customer account. Until you have turned on the option, you must login with your Customer #.

Booking Online

Looking for step by step instructions for how to book tickets on our website?

Please use this guide to help make your reservation.

BC Ferries Connector – Online Booking Guide

The explanation paragraph under the ‘Do you have a valid ID?’ box tells you what to type in the box in the last sentence of the explanation. Phrase is Case Sensitive and punctuation! sensitive. Please read the entire explanation.

Yes. Put the information of the person travelling in the ‘passenger information’ section, (this is what the driver will see for checking them in). Make sure to inform them of any rules, restrictions, or IDs they need to know about or have with them before they travel. The ‘Customer Information’ is the information for the person paying. They person paying is also the one who will receive any communications from The Company.

No. We are not allowed to make any exceptions.

Yes, we offer limited service to/from Duke Point and the Gulf Islands.

Arriving from Duke Point or Southern Gulf Islands via Tsawwassen (going to Downtown Vancouver, Select Hotels, YVR, or Cruise Terminal):

  • Reservation Required. No Walkup Tickets available.
  • Ferry Ticket NOT included.
  • Duke Point Passengers: You must purchase a ferry ticket from Duke Point Ferry Terminal to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal from the BC Ferries Foot Passenger Desk at Duke Point.
  • Gulf Islands Passengers: You must purchase a ferry ticket from your Ferry Terminal to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal from the BC Ferries Foot Passenger Desk at your starting ferry terminal.
  • Passenger must choose the ferry sailing that will allow them to arrive at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to meet our bus at the pickup time we have listed for our service. Our bus will not be on the ferry, and the passenger will travel as a foot passenger to Tsawwassen.
  • Passenger will disembark their Ferry by walking off the ferry, and then proceed to Berth 3 to take the stairs or elevator to ground level. Look for the BC Ferries Connector, Wilson’s, or Universal Coach Lines Bus that will arrive there to meet you. DO NOT EXIT AT THE REGULAR PASSENGER EXIT! The stairs and elevator at Berth 3 are the ONLY way to get to where our bus is parked, we do not stop at the regular exit.
  • Passenger will board our bus and be taken to their final destination.

Going to Duke Point or Southern Gulf Islands via Tsawwassen (Pickup at Downtown Vancouver, Select Hotels, YVR, or Cruise Terminal):

  • Reservation Required.
  • Walkup Tickets available at Vancouver Bus Depot only.
  • Passenger is responsible for checking to make sure that there is an available sailing to Duke Point or the Gulf Islands before purchasing one of our tickets.
  • Driver will get a separate ferry boarding pass for the passenger when checking through the pay booth at Tsawwassen Terminal. Ticket will be for the next available sailing for their chosen destination.
  • Driver will then drop off the passenger at Berth 3 where they would walk or take the elevator up to the walkway to their appropriate berth for Duke Point or the Gulf Islands. Passenger will walk onto their ferry as a foot passenger.

Going to Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island via Through-fare (Pickup at Downtown Vancouver, Select Hotels, YVR, or Cruise Terminal):

  • Passenger is responsible for checking to make sure that there is an available sailing to Fulford Harbour from Swartz Bay Terminal before purchasing one of our tickets.
  • This stop involves 2 ferry trips. One ferry trip from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay followed by another ferry trip from Swartz Bay Terminal to Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island.
  • Driver will get a through-fare boarding pass for Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay-Fulford, which the customer will pick up from the driver when disembarking from the bus on-board the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.
  • The passenger will not re-board the bus on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay ferry, and will walk off the ferry at Swartz Bay Terminal as a foot passenger and transfer to the Fulford Ferry also as a foot passenger.

If you have any questions regarding our limited Duke Point and Gulf Islands services, please send us an email at: [email protected] 

Vancouver Hotels are only offered on limited departure times, they are not available on every departure. Pre-reservation required.

Vancouver Hotel Pickups: (Morning only) – October to April: 08:15am only – May to September: 08:15am and 10:15am only

Vancouver Hotel Drop Offs: (Afternoon only) – October to April: 15:45pm only – May to September: 15:45pm and 17:45pm only

There are several possibilities.

  • Check out our Schedules page to make sure the route you want is operating on the day in question.
  • Certain locations are not currently available but still appear in the drop-down list.
  • The combination of locations you are selecting might not be available due to schedules not lining up.
  • The locations you have selected might be one-way only locations and not be available for round-trip travel. Specifically, the Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen, Douglas & Yates, Douglas & Discovery, and the Hwy 17 at Hwy 10 (Trunk Road) locations, can only be used for one-way trips.
  • Trying to select ‘Vancouver’ and any location on Vancouver Island that is not either ‘Victoria’ or ‘Victoria Hotels’ will not work as we do not have any buses that can make that connection. We recommend travelling independently on the BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver, over to Departure Bay in Nanaimo, and then booking a bus ticket with us from Nanaimo to your intended destination.
  • Nanaimo – Woodgrove Mall location is only available for trips going to or from locations that are North of the city of Nanaimo. The Woodgrove Mall stop is not available if you are going to or from locations that are south of the city of Nanaimo.
  • Nanaimo – Port Place location is only available for trips going to or from locations that are South of the city of Nanaimo. The Port Place stop is not available if you are going to or from locations that are north of the city of Nanaimo.

Select the ‘show prices’ button next to the departure you want. Then select the circle next to the Fare Class you want to buy.

bc travel assistance program

Make sure you have the First Name, Last Name, Email, and Checked Baggage box for all passengers filled out. If you choose a special fare, make sure the Do You Have a Valid ID? Box is filled out correctly.

bc travel assistance program

Additional Information

Face coverings are not required but some passengers may be more comfortable wearing one. Buses are loaded at full seating capacity and passengers may be seated beside each other. Passengers should be respectful of everyone’s personal space and practice good hygiene, like frequent hand washing.

Unfortunately, at this time The Company cannot accommodate pets on-board any of its buses.

Exception: People with Disabilities may have service animals accompanying an individual inside the coach. Valid Guide or Service Dog Certification must be presented, and the ‘Service Dog’ selection must be checked off on your booking.

The Company has a variety of vehicles in its fleet, some of which are equipped with seatbelts/lap restraints. If the vehicle assigned to your trip is equipped with such, it is mandated under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act that all passengers must wear the provided seatbelts/lap restraints at all times while on board the bus.

While the driver will advise passengers to wear the seatbelts/lap restraints, if equipped, the driver cannot be held responsible for ensuring this is adhered to. By purchasing travel with The Company, you understand and agree that you as the purchaser are responsible for ensuring that you and anyone else you purchase travel for are advised that the use of seatbelts/lap restraints is mandatory. If you, as the purchaser, will not be present for the duration of the trip, you are responsible for assigning a lead passenger among the people travelling, 19+ years of age, who is responsible for ensuring that anyone you purchased travel for are advised that the use of seatbelts/lap restraints is mandatory, and that they use the seatbelts/lap restraints during the trip.

Children weighing up to 18 kg (40 lbs.) who board a seatbelt equipped vehicle are required to ride in an approved CMVSS car seat supplied by the child’s parent or caregiver, and be secured to the vehicle using the seatbelt (lap belt). Children over 18 kg (40 lbs.) are required to use the lap belt restraint system; however, booster seats are not to be used with only a lap belt restraint system. In the event a passenger brings a car seat and the vehicle is not equipped with seatbelts or restraints, The Company will store the car seat with the checked luggage for no charge. Visit the ICBC website for specific details on child car seats.

BC Ferries Connector departs at the time scheduled and does not wait for missing passengers or late flights at Vancouver (YVR) Airport. If you miss your scheduled departure, please email our staff at [email protected] and switch to a subsequent departure.

Please DO NOT park in any of the prohibited parking spaces at the pick-up locations. We remind our guests to please respect the businesses in these areas, and that parking illegally may result in ticketing and/or towing. The Company is not responsible for vehicles ticketed, towed, or damaged while using our service.

If you lose something on a bus, please call Lost & Found at 1-800-567-3288 or email [email protected] . Found articles may be claimed during business hours at the location they are being held.

Found articles are kept for up to 30 days. If you call us and we have the article we will hold it for a maximum of seven days unless otherwise arranged. All unclaimed articles will be donated to charitable organizations.

Now offering Bus Bucks! Give the gift of travel and purchase a gift card. Bus Bucks are just like cash, they have no transaction fees and no expiry. Bus Bucks are non-refundable. Visit our Bus Bucks Page to order.

Travel Disclaimer

No smoking or vaping is permitted on any of The Company’s buses.

Please be considerate to your fellow passengers. Unruly or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the bus. There will be no compensation or refund to passengers removed from a bus, and The Company will not be responsible for any onward transportation arrangements.

TRAVEL WITH US TODAY

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Community Services Locator

Travel assistance program (tap), eligibility.

Patient Eligibility: Must be a B.C. resident and be enrolled in MSP. Physician's referral is required. Travel expenses must not be covered by third party insurance. A TAP form must be filled out in order to apply. Escort Eligibility: 18 years of age and under or incapable of traveling independently for medical reasons Physician must indicate on TAP form that an escort is required for one of the two reasons cited above.

Description:

The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) offers travel discounts to eligible British Columbia residents who must travel for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. You must be referred from a general practitioner or nurse practitioner for specialist services. Please visit the website for more information.

NOTE:- There is no reimbursement for travel already taken.

How to Apply (Refer to web site for full details)

  • Fill out your TAP Form that is provided by your referring practitioner.
  • Obtain a TAP Confirmation number (B.C. (toll-free): 1 800 661-2668 24/7 - TAP automated application service )
  • Present your completed TAP Form to the TAP transportation partner.

TAP forms are only valid for up to three months (90 days) after the appointment date on the patient’s completed TAP form. This allows for rescheduled appointment dates.

Service type

  • Online Phone

Service area

General Office: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Primary contact

Travel assistance program general enquiries, add your service.

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Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC)

For eligible B.C. Residents who must travel within the province for physician-referred non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community, and whose travel expenses are not covered by third-party insurance or other government programs.  A physician’s referral is required and the patient must have the physician’s office complete a TAP form.  Contact TAP at the number below prior to travel for a confirmation number in order to receive a travel discount.

Phone (toll-free):  1 800-661-2668

For general information on TAP, call Health Insurance BC, or visit the TAP website.

Phone (toll-free): 1 800 663-7100

Website:   www.gov.bc.ca   (enter “Travel Assistance Program” in Search)

For eligibility criteria contact Interior Health at 1 800 707-8550 press 2 for new intake and 7 for North Okanagan Region

Website:   www.interiorhealth.ca

Services available in: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lumby, Cherryville, Falkland, Westside

Tel : 1 800 663-7100

Website : https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/tap-bc/travel-assistance-program-tap-bc

GET IN TOUCH

Tel: 250.545.0585 Email: [email protected]

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Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

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Travel assistance for non-emergency medical care

Island Health provides funding to eight contracted transportation providers, creating a transportation network supporting people in many rural and remote regions. These contractors provide door-to-door, non-emergency patient transportation services, primarily facilitating trips to and from Island Health appointments, facilities, or locations.

Communities served include:

North island.

  • Campbell River
  • Denman Island
  • Hornby Island
  • Port McNeill

Central Island

  • Gabriola Island
  • Port Alberni
  • Qualicum Beach

South Island

  • Central Saanich
  • Lake Cowichan
  • Pender Island
  • Salt Spring Island

If you or someone you care for needs a ride to an Island Health medical appointment call 1-844-940-6617 or email [email protected] .

People seeking support with travel to community-based appointments (IE non-Island Health facilities/services) may seek assistance from provincial programs, such as:

  • Travel Assistance Program
  • BC Family Residence Program
  • Medical Transportation - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
  • BC Cancer transportation and lodging information
  • Getting Started
  • Financial Assistance
  • Travel Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Health Connections
  • SN Transport
  • BC Ferries Disabled Status Identification Discount
  • Easter Seals Disability Travel Card
  • Accommodation
  • Community Support and Resources
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TAP is a corporate partnership between the Ministry of Health Services and private transportation carriers. The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Health Services and the transportation partners agree to waive or discount their regular fees.  TAP does not provide direct financial assistance to patients for travel costs. Meals, accommodation, fuel and local transportation expenses are not included in TAP. Patients must be able to use the phone to obtain a confirmation number prior to travel. 

To be eligible:

  • you must be a B.C. resident and be enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP);
  • you must have a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner for MSP insured specialist medical services which are not available locally;
  • your travel expenses must not be covered by third party insurance, such as an employer plan, extended medical plan, Insurance Corporation of BC, WorkSafeBC or federal government program (e.g. Veterans' Affairs).

For more information: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/tap-bc/travel-assistance-program-tap-bc

Patient Support

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Vancouver Island Cochlear Implant Support Group

The Vancouver Island Cochlear Implant Support Group is an interactive get together hosted independently (not affiliated with the BC Adult CI Program) by Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing (IDHHC). This is an opportunity to connect, discuss challenges, and share knowledge. Help those with CI questions by sharing your journey and your experience. Stay connected with IDHHC staff and meet special guest presenters. We meet virtually via Zoom and captioning is provided.

Vancouver Cochlear Implant Support Group

The Vancouver Cochlear Implant Support Group is an independently organized support group (not affiliated with the BC Adult CI Program) run by CI recipients, Rick Waters and Bowen Tang .  This group is for any new CI candidates or current CI recipients who would like to learn more about cochlear implants or share experiences.  Meetings are held monthly on Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm.  Please contact Bowen for more information via email:  [email protected] .

BC Adult Cochlear Implant Program

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Hope Air - Free Flight Program For Patients Needing to Travel For Medical Services

Cancer care , financial , and transportation, provided by hope air.

  • Scheduled specialist medical appointment
  • Personal information for patient and eligible escort
  • Travel dates
  • Gross household income There is no age restriction for this program. Air travel may include an escort if medically necessary and the airline seat inventory can accommodate the request for an escort.

Toll Free: 1-877-346-4673

Public email: [email protected]

Website: https://hopeair.ca/

#102, 211 Columbia street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 2R5

Cost: No cost

Referral options:

  • Self-referral

Availability

Service area: Province-wide

Service Types Provided

  • Travel and Lodging : Cancer Patient Transportation
  • Financial Assistance : Transportation
  • Cancer Patient Transportation
  • Medical Appointment Transportation

Ways to Access

  • Service provides transportation

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Your division of family practice is Sea to Sky. You can find more information about divisions in British Columbia here.

The division you are linked to defines your local referral area which determines what you see on specialty pages and your search results. You can always broaden your results by using the cities filter on the bottom right of specialty pages or in the search by clicking the 'all divisions' filter.

If you believe your division needs to be changed please navigate to 'You -> Contact Us' in the top menu and send us a message so we can help you further.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

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If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  • In which city/town do you work?
  • What is your role? E.g. Family Physician, Office Staff, Medical Resident
  • Employer Name (for office staff)
  • Office Phone

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Medical Travel Assistance Programs

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BC FERRIES MAKES MEDICAL TRAVEL COMPLETELY COST-FREE

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  • Metro Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Sunshine Coast (Langdale)
  • Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point)
  • Sunshine Coast (Powell River) – Vancouver Island (Comox)
  • Vancouver Island (Port Hardy) – North Coast (Prince Rupert)
  • North Coast (Prince Rupert)– Graham Island (Skidegate)
  • Vancouver Island (Port Hardy) – Central Coast (Bella Coola, including sailings to Bella Bella, Klemtu, Shearwater and Ocean Falls) Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Southern Gulf Islands
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Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

bc travel assistance program

Harbour Air is an approved transportation partner with TAP BC and provides a discount on regular Comfort fares on any domestic scheduled service route. The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. Please contact our Reservations Team  at  1.800.665.0212 to find out about eligibility requirements and/or book a flight.

Get in touch with our team by calling 1.800.665.0212 or emailing [email protected] .

604-320-0505 or 310-Kids(5437)

1-800-381-2040, [email protected], bc family residence program.

Family Accommodation Support. 

What is BC Family Residence Program (BCFRP)?

Variety administers the BC Family Residence Program on behalf of the Government of BC/Provincial Health Services Authority to provide accommodation assistance for families while a child requires care at BC Children’s Hospital and/or Sunny Hill Health Centre, BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver location) and babies in the Neo-natal unit at BC Women’s Hospital.

Accommodation Arrangements

Accommodation arrangements are provided at convenient locations in the Vancouver/Richmond area for families with a child, aged 18 years and under, including premature babies and newborns with other health concerns. The program provides accommodation assistance to a family for one room up to 30 days per medical visit.

Accommodation Assistance is available for BC residents who:

  • Are a resident of BC and have a Care Card/PHN number issued by Medical Services Plan of BC.
  • Are a child 18 years or younger, who is receiving medical care at BC Children’s Hospital and/or Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver location) and NICU at BC Women’s Hospital.
  • Live outside Metro Vancouver (not including Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, White Rock, West Vancouver and Electoral Area A).

Note: residents of Bowen Island and island communities within Electoral Area A are eligible for the Accommodation Subsidy due to the requirement of ferry travel. Please consult the Metro Vancouver website to determine if you reside within these boundaries.

BC Children’s Hospital

Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Phone: 604- 875-2149 Fax: 604- 875-2770

Weekend, Universal Closure Day and Statutory Holiday coverage is available from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm by paging 604-877-2902

BC Women’s for NICU Families

Monday-Friday

8:30 am – 4:30 pm Phone: 604- 875-2149 BC Women

Weekends + Holidays

Call 604-875-2161 and ask for pager 1479. Available 7:30 am to 7:30 pm

Travel Resources

Please note: The following organizations are not affiliated with BCFRP but may be helpful resources with Transportation for medical visits outside of your home community.

Provides free air travel for eligible families travelling for medical care. 

You can go to their website at hopeair.ca and fill out a travel request form or call 1.877.346-HOPE (4673).

Northern Health Connections

Call 1-888-647-4997 nhconnections.ca

TAP BC – Travel Assistance Program 

Helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible BC residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community.

Your physician, nurse practitioner, or specialty clinic will provide the TAP form and complete most of it for you .  They should be able to give you next steps and further information about this program.  

You can also google Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC) and it will take you directly to the TAP BC government website with all the information about this program.

Community Resources

  • Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
  • Cops for Kids – Cops for Kids is devoted to helping little hearts in the Southern Interior Region of British Columbia.
  • First Nations Health Authority – The FHNA plans, designs, manages and funds the delivery of First Nations health programs across BC.
  • YANA (You Are Not Alone) is a community organization that provides financial support and accommodation to Comox Valley families who need to travel for medical treatment for a child or for a pregnant mother.

A Few Things to Note

Accomdation costs.

For eligible families, the BC Family Residence Program (BCFRP) covers accommodation costs for all eligible dates . BCFRP provides coverage for one room per family of patient.

Confirmations Needed?

Confirmation of the dates of medical treatment or duration of visit at BC Children’s Hospital and/or Sunny Hill Health Centre, BCCA and the NICU @ BC Women’s is confirmed by a patient services representative at BC Children’s Hospital.

Your own arrangements?

Families who wish to make their own arrangements for accommodation are responsible for the cost of that accommodation.

Download the BCFRP Self Booking Guidelines for more information.

Download these guidelines if you are staying at Ronald McDonald House.

Payment to facilities?

Payment of the accommodation subsidy is made directly to the facilities approved by the program.

Payments to families?

No funds will be provided directly to the patient or their family.

What's not covered?

Local transportation costs, meals or other personal expenses are the responsibility of the patient or the patient’s family.

Download Guidelines and then Apply for BCFRP Assistance by email.

Do you meet the following criteria:

  • Child seeking help is between birth and their 19th birthday. (Note: for autism assessment, the child seeking help must be 4 years or under.)
  • B.C. or Yukon resident for a minimum of three months with a valid Health Care Card.
  • Qualified special need (medical/developmental) as recognized by a designated professional. (This does not apply to private autism and psychoeducational assessments or mental wellness requests)
  • Financial circumstance that limits the ability to afford the item or service required (Variety is currently able to consider requests from households with an annual income of up to $85,000).

Government of B.C.

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Additional information for health care providers.

Information specific to the role of health care providers in facilitating patient access to the Travel Assistance Program is available on this page. Find out who is eligible to refer patients to TAP, and how to order and complete forms. Information for hospitals and speciality clinics can also be found here.

Role of the Referring Physician or Nurse Practitioner in the Travel Assistance Program

Request for Travel Assistance application forms (HLTH 2900) are made available to physician and nurse practitioner offices throughout British Columbia by Health Insurance BC (HIBC). The forms are sequentially numbered and are only provided to physicians, nurse practitioners and medical specialty services, including hospitals.

Complete program information, including patient and escort eligibility criteria, is contained under Information for B.C. Residents.

Please note that TAP does not provide direct financial assistance to patients for travel costs or make travel arrangements for patients. Meals, accommodation, mileage, fuel and local transportation expenses are not included in TAP and are the responsibility of the patient.

How to Obtain TAP Forms

Physicians and Nurse Practitioners can order TAP forms by:

Telephone: Call 1 800 661-2668 (toll-free in B.C.) or 250 952-2657 (in Victoria). This is the automated TAP line at Health Insurance BC (HIBC) and the MSP Practitioner Number of the physician or nurse practitioner is required for entry. The automated TAP line is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Facsimile: Fax your request to HIBC Provider Services at 250 405-3592. Please provide the name of the physician or nurse practitioner, full mailing address, and MSP Practitioner Number.

How to Complete a TAP Form

The office of the referring physician or nurse pracitioner completes Part One of the form, including the 'Escort Required' box, and ensures the form is properly signed or stamped.

Transportation partners have the right to refuse an incomplete or altered TAP form. Only one TAP form should be issued at time of referral.

Please enter the following information on the TAP form:

  • Name of the referring physician or nurse practitioner and practitioner number;
  • Destination physician's name and practitioner number;
  • In cases where the patient is not referred to a specific physician (diagnostic procedures, laboratory procedures, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine procedures, BC Cancer Agency, Transplant Units, HIV/AIDS treatment at St. Paul's Hospital, specialty clinics at BC Children's Hospital and other tertiary care hospitals), please check the "specialty services" box on the form;
  • Destination city;
  • Destination appointment date;
  • Escort required or not required (see eligibility, Information for B.C. Residents); and
  • Physician or nurse practitioner signature or stamp, and current date.

Once the TAP form has been completed by the referring physician or nurse practitioner, give the TAP form to the patient and ask them to fill in the address block, including postal code and telephone number and to sign the declaration on the front of the form. Instructions and information are included on the back of the form.

Additional program information is available here (Information for B.C. Residents).

The patient then telephones the program to obtain a confirmation number prior to travel. Patients are encouraged to call two weeks prior to their date of travel, and not to wait until the night before their appointment to contact TAP, if possible. The TAP automated application service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free in B.C.: 1 800 661-2668.

Note: Patients are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements. There is no reimbursement after travel has been completed.

Information for Destination Physician or Specialty Clinic

There is no provision for repeat visits on the TAP form. If another appointment is required as part of the same course of treatment, the destination physician's office or medical specialty service should issue another TAP form for the patient at the time the next appointment is made, entering their own name and practitioner number in both the referring and destination physician spaces.

Only one form should be issued at a time. The procedure must be repeated each time another appointment is required. The patient must contact the program for a confirmation number each time a form is issued.

Information for Hospitals

Forms can also be provided to eligible patients from the Social Work departments of major hospitals, the BC Cancer Agency, Centre for Excellence at St. Paul's Hospital, Transplant Clinics, and other hospital based specialty clinics.

If hospital staff are assisting a patient to return home who arrived by ground or air ambulance, they should fill in Part Two - Hospital Use Only and sign or stamp the form in the signature space provided (the hospital social work department may sign or stamp the form).

Contact information

For all physician or nurse practitioner TAP queries, please contact 1 866 456-6950 (toll-free in B.C.) and select Provider Services to speak to a client service representative.

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC)

    Beginning April 19, 2023, BC Ferries customers using the Ministry of Health's Travel Assistance Program (TAP) to attend medical appointments can book a complimentary reservation online. A completed TAP form with a confirmation number is required book a reservation on BC Ferries and needs to be presented at the terminal to claim the booking.

  2. BC Ferries Medical Assured Loading & Travel Assistance Program

    We offer free reservations and travel for patients travelling to and from medical specialist appointments as part of the BC Government's Travel Assistance Program (TAP). Support includes one under-height standard vehicle, patient and a travel escort if required. Free reservations are provided for TAP customers on all bookable routes, where ...

  3. Pathways

    Travel Assistance Program - Subsidized Travel on Ferries, Rail, Air (TAP BC) A program to help alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. TAP is a corporate partnership between the Ministry of ...

  4. Frequently Asked Questions

    Travel Assistance Program (TAPS) Passengers who have been issued a Travel Assistance Program (TAPS form) from Health BC are eligible for our TAPS fare. The pass must be signed by a doctor and completely filled out by the passenger (including the confirmation number), in order to give to the driver when boarding.

  5. Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

    The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) offers travel discounts to eligible British Columbia residents who must travel for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. You must be referred from a general practitioner or nurse practitioner for specialist services. Please visit the website for more information.

  6. Program: Travel Assistance Program

    Provides assistance with some of the transportation costs for eligible BC residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency, physician-referred specialist medical care not available in their own community. - - The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Health and the transportation partners who agree to waive or discount their regular fees.

  7. Travel Assistant Program

    The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. Diagnostic procedures, laboratory procedures, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine procedures, BC Cancer Agency ...

  8. NexusBC Community Resource Centre

    Contact TAP at the number below prior to travel for a confirmation number in order to receive a travel discount. Phone (toll-free): 1 800-661-2668. For general information on TAP, call Health Insurance BC, or visit the TAP website. Phone (toll-free): 1 800 663-7100. Website: www.gov.bc.ca (enter "Travel Assistance Program" in Search)

  9. Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

    The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. On the Sunshine Coast, this can include covering ferry costs. Your physician, nurse practitioner, or specialty clinic will provide the TAP form…

  10. Travel assistance for non-emergency medical care

    If you or someone you care for needs a ride to an Island Health medical appointment call 1-844-940-6617 or email [email protected]. People seeking support with travel to community-based appointments (IE non-Island Health facilities/services) may seek assistance from provincial programs, such as: Travel Assistance Program.

  11. Travel & accommodation assistance

    Hope Air. Hope Air is a national charity that provides free air travel, hotel accommodation, ground transportation and meal subsidies, for patients and escorts in financial need, travelling to access medical care. For eligibility and application support, please call 1-877-346-4673 or visit our website. Hope Air website.

  12. Travel Assistance Program (TAP)

    The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Health Services and the transportation partners agree to waive or discount their regular fees. TAP does not provide direct financial assistance to patients for travel costs. Meals, accommodation, fuel and local transportation expenses are not included in TAP. Patients must be able to use the phone ...

  13. Hope Air

    Air travel may include an escort if medically necessary and the airline seat inventory can accommodate the request for an escort. Toll Free: 1-877-346-4673. Public email: [email protected]. Website: https://hopeair.ca/. #102, 211 Columbia street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 2R5.

  14. Medical Travel Assistance Programs

    Contact Gladys Lawrence, T8TA Medical Transportation Clerk at [email protected] or phone: 250.785.0612 extension 228. For other, non-insured health care benefits, First Nations members can contact the Non-insured Health Benefits Regional office at 1.800.317.7878. Live Here.

  15. Bc Ferries Makes Medical Travel Completely Cost-free

    Over 300,000 customers sailed with BC Ferries last year on the provincial government's TAP. The cost of waiving booking fees for medical travel is projected to be in the range of $250,000 to $350,000 annually in foregone revenue and aligns with the TAP program's goal of removing financial barriers to healthcare. Quote

  16. Travel Assistance Program

    The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. Please contact our Reservations Team at 1.800.665.0212 to find out about eligibility requirements and/or book a ...

  17. BC Family Residence Program

    TAP BC - Travel Assistance Program Helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible BC residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. Your physician, nurse practitioner, or specialty clinic will provide the TAP form and complete most of it for you ...

  18. Additional Information for Health Care Providers

    Telephone: Call 1 800 661-2668 (toll-free in B.C.) or 250 952-2657 (in Victoria). This is the automated TAP line at Health Insurance BC (HIBC) and the MSP Practitioner Number of the physician or nurse practitioner is required for entry. The automated TAP line is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Facsimile: Fax your request to HIBC Provider ...

  19. Travel Assistance

    Travel Assistance. This is a list of programs offering transportation support for families travelling from out-of-town to their medical appointments and for hospital stays. Health Connections. Hope Air online. TAP - Travel Assistance Program. Other Travel Help. BC Family Residence Program. SPARC BC - parking permits for people with disabilities.

  20. Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services

    With the generous support of the Government of British Columbia (BC), and with our partners at Hope Air, we're expanding our Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services program to support more people in BC. Residents of BC receiving cancer treatment in BC on or after April 1, 2023 are eligible for support under the expanded program.