From Kingston to Halifax: A Shared Vision for Youth-Centric Transit
In May 2025, I had the privilege of travelling to Halifax to work alongside the municipality and Halifax Transit on something close to my heart—building a youth-centric transit culture. Over two days, we rolled up our sleeves for strategy sessions, workshops, and keynote conversations focused on what it takes to make transit work for young people, and why it matters for the future of our communities.
Halifax is already leading the way with its Student Transit Pass Pilot Program, which provides free annual transit passes to students in grades 7 through 12. Backed by a partnership between the Province of Nova Scotia and the municipality, this program now benefits more than 30,000 students across 59 schools. It’s more than a pilot—it’s a powerful statement about equity, climate action, and preparing the next generation for sustainable urban life.
During my keynote at Halifax Hall, “From Kingston to Halifax: Building a Youth-Centric Transit Culture,” I shared lessons from Kingston’s journey to fare-free youth transit and why cultural change is as important as policy change. We asked the big questions: What does a truly youth-friendly transit system look like? How do we ensure no one gets left behind? How do we shift a pilot into a permanent program that delivers on equity and sustainability?
Beyond the Pass: Why Culture and Confidence Matter
One theme that came up repeatedly in Halifax, and in every city I’ve worked with, is that this isn’t just about free rides. It’s about freedom. Independence, confidence, and safety are often overlooked in transit discussions, but the surveys Halifax conducted during the 2024–25 school year underscore their importance:
Independence: Over 91% of high school students and 84% of junior high students reported feeling more independent because of their pass. Parents agreed, with nearly 88% affirming the same for their teens.
Confidence: Confidence in navigating transit climbed steadily, with 64% of high school students saying they felt comfortable planning routes and using the system.
Safety: About 64% of high school students reported feeling safe and comfortable on transit, and while there’s room for improvement, this is a strong foundation for continued engagement and training.
These numbers tell a story: giving young people access is the first step but equipping them with knowledge and building their confidence makes the difference between a pass that sits in a wallet and a pass that unlocks real mobility.
Students Are Using It—Everywhere
The program isn’t just about school trips. Halifax’s data shows 71% of students use transit for jobs, sports, volunteering, and social activities, and 75% ride at least once per week for non-school purposes. That’s what real cultural change looks like: transit becoming a part of everyday life, not just a ride to class.
June Victory: Halifax Commits to the Future
Just a few weeks after my visit, Halifax Regional Council voted unanimously to extend the Student Transit Pass Pilot through the 2025–26 school year. The program will also expand to include homeschooled students, ensuring even broader access. Council’s decision sends a clear message: this initiative isn’t a short-term experiment. It’s a cornerstone for a more equitable and sustainable future.
The next step? Halifax is already planning a Student Transit Ambassador Program, a peer-led model that aligns perfectly with the vision of the Get on the Bus movement: youth supporting youth, building a transit culture that sticks.
Why This Matters for the Movement
Photo By: Garrett Elliott
At Get on the Bus, we believe every community can, and should, embrace fare-free transit for youth. Halifax’s story adds to a growing national narrative: when you invest in youth, you’re not just increasing ridership; you’re building healthier, greener, and more connected communities.
Being in Halifax reminded me why we started this work in the first place. These conversations—about policy, about training, about confidence—are the seeds of a cultural shift that will last generations. And Halifax? You’re leading the way.