I grew up in a small town about 15 minutes outside of Brockville where transit was nonexistent – not even a thought in the minds of most kids. To get around, you took your bike, went by foot.

Washington has taken a bold and commendable step by making transit free for everyone 18 and under. Policies like this are very impactful. They remove financial barriers, create equitable access, and signal to young people that they belong in public spaces. But as Natalie articulated so clearly, fare-free access alone isn’t enough. When youth ridership increases, especially among first-time riders, the system has a responsibility to meet them with preparation, trust, and education.

On October 9, 2025, the Get on the Bus movement officially launched the Ride Guide through a national webinar with communities, transit professionals, educators, and youth advocates from across Canada.

At Get on the Bus, we’ve always believed that free and equitable youth access to public transit is one of those rare interventions that delivers across the board: access, autonomy, education, environment, and economy. We’re thrilled to see that belief confirmed by the new investment case report on the Kingston high school transit pass initiative.

Across Canada, municipalities, school boards, and community groups are taking bold steps to make public transit more accessible for youth through fare-free policies, engagement programs, and hands-on training. Each initiative is unique, yet the goal is shared: to help young people access opportunity, independence, and connection through transit, while at the same time meeting climate targets by reducing emissions.

On June 3, 2025, I had the honour of being a panelist for Starfish Canada’s Climate Conversations: Top 25 Under 25 series. It was an energizing and hopeful space where we explored how equitable and innovative climate solutions can work together, not as opposing forces but as partners in building a better world.

In May 2025, Dan Hendry Program Director, traveled to Halifax to collaborate with the municipality and Halifax Transit on building a youth-centric transit culture. Halifax is already leading with its Student Transit Pass Pilot Program, which provides free annual transit passes to more than 30,000 students. Beyond free rides, the program is fostering independence, confidence, and safety for young people—helping transit become part of everyday life.

We are pleased to share that Get on the Bus has received generous funding support from RBC Foundation. This funding will facilitate continued growth of our movement and help us get more youth on the bus!

At the 2025 Alberta Ecotrust Environmental Gathering, I had the privilege of joining a panel on youth leadership and sharing the impact of Get on the Bus. Our message was clear: giving kids access to transit unlocks freedom, improves mental health, and supports families. I spoke about our Edmonton needs assessment, a youth-created transit mural, and research showing how independent mobility reduces anxiety and depression. The response was overwhelming, people from all sectors were energized and ready to act. When you give a kid a bus pass, they don’t just get a ride, they get a future.