For every $1 spent on free youth transit, $3.60 is generated for the community.

The Student Transit Pass isn’t just a convenience—it’s a proven economic engine. Analysis shows that Halifax’s program serves over 30,000 students across 59 schools, providing a massive return on investment for families and the local economy.

Write your MLA

Halifax’s Student Transit Pass: Current Impact

Since 2021, the student transit pass has transitioned from a small-scale pilot to a critical piece of regional infrastructure.

30,000 Students Served: Connecting youth to education, jobs, and community services.
59 Schools: Providing equitable access across the Halifax Regional Municipality.
$1.8M Annual Cost: A focused investment that replaces thousands of private vehicle trips daily.
$600,000 Net Provincial Saving: The current proposed reduction—a figure that represents only 30% of the program's total operating cost but risks 100% of its community benefits.

Why Transit is an Investment, Not a Cost

Credit: Ontario Association of School Business Officials (OASBO)

Using the "Kingston Model," independent economic analysis reveals why this program is a fiscal win for society.

10,000 Hours of "Family Time" Saved: Free student passes reduce the burden on parents acting as "unpaid taxi drivers," returning thousands of hours of productivity and rest to Halifax households annually.
Reduced Absenteeism: Data shows that reliable, free transit is a direct deterrent to chronic school lateness and missed days, particularly for students in low-income or transit-dependent households.
70-Tonne CO2 Reduction: By replacing private car trips with existing bus routes, the program serves as a tangible, no-cost tool for meeting regional climate goals.

Ensure Your Councillor Has the Data

Decisions about our community should be made with the best available evidence. Use our tool to send a summary of the Kingston and Halifax transit reports directly to your Councillor. This isn't about politics—it's about protecting a high-yield community investment.

Give Your MLA the Facts

The numbers show the Student Transit Pass is a smart infrastructure investment. Enter your postal code to locate your MLA and send them a professional, data-backed briefing.

Postal Code

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Your MLA

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The Professional Briefing

Dear MLA,

I am writing to you as a resident of your district regarding the recent budget decision to reduce funding for the Student Transit Pass program. While I respect the need for fiscal responsibility, I believe the data makes a compelling case that this cut will ultimately cost our community more than it saves.

Based on independent research and the results of the Halifax pilot program, I'd like to share what the numbers actually show.

For every $1 the province invests in this program, it generates $3.60 in documented community value — making it one of the most cost-effective uses of public funds available. The program connects 30,000 students to jobs and volunteer opportunities, actively building the kind of mobile, work-ready workforce our city depends on. It also returns an estimated 10,000 hours of productive time to Halifax families each year by reducing parents' reliance on informal, unpaid transportation arrangements.

The proposed savings of $600,000 must be weighed against the millions of dollars in economic benefits we would be forfeiting. This is not a subsidy — it is infrastructure investment with a measurable return.

I have attached the official reports from the Halifax pilot and the Kingston investment case for your review. I would respectfully ask that you advocate for restoring this program to full funding in the provincial budget.

This is a win for students, for families, and for taxpayers. I look forward to your thoughts.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Opens your email client with a pre-filled message to your MLA.