Public transport has long been seen as a cornerstone of future-ready urban development. But its potential to alleviate financial burdens on families, foster community, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions remains untapped in many places.
One way to change how communities view and use transit is by focusing on youth riders. When young people become regular transit users, they’re more likely to continue using it as adults. It also sets the stage for stronger, more resilient transit systems.
In 2012, our community in Kingston, Ontario, began offering high school students free bus passes and taught them how to use the system. I never imagined back then how much impact this simple change would have—not just at home, but across Canada. With backing from Small Change Fund, the “Kingston Model” has evolved to the Get on the Bus movement, a national effort to support and celebrate youth-centred transit initiatives.
The Case for Free Youth Transit
In a recent article “Free transit actually is a thing,” CBC News spotlights towns like Orangeville, where free transit programs have succeeding in increasing ridership and reducing barriers for residents. These programs bring families much-needed financial relief, but at the same time blanket free-transit policies can strain underfunded systems. Youth-focused initiatives let municipalities incrementally build capacity. They ensure manageable ridership increases, giving transit authorities time to invest in fleet expansions, frequency improvements, and infrastructure upgrades.
This phased approach aligns with climate goals, addressing the need for emissions reductions while enhancing transit systems gradually. It’s a practical solution for mid-sized cities where under-investment can result in subpar transit service. As Kingston demonstrates, pairing free transit programs with investments in infrastructure—like electric buses and expanded routes—maximizes environmental and social benefits.
And to really reap benefits, early exposure to transit is critical. When young people learn to navigate bus routes, transfer stops, and schedules, they grow up seeing transit as a natural part of daily life—not a peripheral facility. Youth then influence their families, creating a ripple effect. Parents who might otherwise drive their teens become familiar with the system’s benefits, potentially using it for errands or commuting. The ripple extends beyond families to schools, workplaces, and community organizations, strengthening the entire transit network.
And while free transit programs are commonly critiqued as a heavy expense, they need to be framed as a reallocation of existing resources. By enabling greater use of public facilities like libraries, theatres, and sports complexes, transit programs ensure that the infrastructure we’ve already invested in is fully utilized. They also reduce the need for costly road expansions and maintenance by encouraging fewer car trips. The question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in youth transit—it’s whether we can afford not to. The return on investment includes reduced congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and healthier, more connected communities.
More Than Just a Ride
Youth transit programs aren’t just about transportation. They amplify existing investments in education, recreation, and social services by ensuring equitable access. Free transit access lets students participate in extracurricular activities, access job opportunities, and volunteer with local organizations. This increased engagement builds autonomy and confidence, especially for marginalized youth.
For some families, these programs can be life-changing. Take my daughter, for example. She has autism, and initially struggled with using public transit. But over time, she mastered the system, gaining independence. It helped her manage time and improved her decision-making abilities. Her progress reflects a broader societal shift: of empowered youth navigating their communities, strengthening their social ties and civic engagement.
Witnessing her growth has been nothing short of extraordinary. The autonomy, confidence, and sense of community she gained has transformed her for the better. She’s more connected, more responsible, and more timely, and it stems from a real cause and effect: If she misses the bus, she misses the bus. She learns, adapts, and moves forward.
Programs like these also support mental health, reducing the stress associated with mobility barriers. A seamless transit experience allows youth to focus on their personal and educational growth without worrying about how they’ll get from place to place.
The Path Forward
Scaling up youth transit programs takes cooperation from municipalities, school boards, and provincial and federal governments. The results can be game-changing. Just look at Halifax. With support from the Nova Scotia government, the Halifax Transit student pilot program expanded in 2024. As of September, 28,000 students across the Halifax Regional Municipality are eligible for free public transit passes. The success highlights the potential of shared funding to build lasting change for communities.
Funding can also be secured through innovative partnerships, like leveraging climate adaptation funds or integrating transit costs into education budgets. Get on the Bus supports communities looking to launch or expand their own initiatives, emphasizing the importance of tailoring programs to local needs. As we face a climate emergency, it’s clear that every sector must do its part. Transit, with its ability to reduce emissions and foster social equity, is a natural focus.
Youth-focused transit programs are a catalyst for inclusive communities. They normalize transit use, support families, and give youth the tools they need to thrive. And by starting with youth, we plant the seeds for a transit culture that benefits everyone.
