A bus can take our youth anywhere.
Get on the Bus is a national movement to inspire a youth transit revolution across Canada. We partner with communities, municipalities, transit agencies and grassroots organizations to provide fare-free transit to youth. As importantly, we focus on engagement and training, ensuring young people feel confident and connected using public transit.
Get on the Bus is a program of national charity Small Change Fund. Inspired by the acclaimed success in Kingston, we’re sharing all the good things that youth transit brings.
Photo: Limestone District School Board
Why youth transit?
Lifelong transit users bring many benefits to communities and themselves. But they need to be grown.
Our mission is to get youth on the bus for free and train them how to use it. We help communities develop policies, partnerships and resources to create youth-focused transit programs. This empowers young people to choose public transit and helps them understand the benefits of sustainable transportation for life. It also gives back to the community by investing in the public transit system and creating future riders.
Throwing Our Car Culture Under the Bus | Dan Hendry | TEDxOttawa
Get On The Bus will bring all these benefits anywhere a bus goes.
Social Benefits
Independence & Confidence
Builds travel independence and self-reliance.
Skill Development
Enhances planning, time management and decision-making skills.
Increased Participation
Enables involcement in sports, clubs and community programs.
Expanded Educational Experience
Access to museums, libraries and cultural centers for experiental learning.
Equity in Access
Equal transit access regardless of income or background.
Improved Employment Pathways
Year-round access to jobs and volunteer opportunities.
Economic Benefits
School Transportation Savings
Fewer chartered buses needed for activites.
Reduced Family Costs
Lower daily transportation expenses for students.
Youth Employment
Greater access to year-round job opportunities
Gas Tax Funding
Increased municipal access to federal gas tax.
Environmental Benefits
School Transportation Savings
Fewer chartered buses needed for activites.
Reduced Family Costs
Lower daily transportation expenses for students.
Youth Employment
Greater access to year-round job opportunities
Gas Tax Funding
Increased municipal access to federal gas tax.
Ready to get on the bus?
Small Change Fund is the registered charity where individuals and grassroots groups – like the people behind Hot Globe – get crowdfunding help, expert campaign advice, and coaching to turn their good intentions into great results.
We act as a catalyst to help people improve the environment, reduce poverty, and promote reconciliation efforts by working with Indigenous Peoples to support the protection of their lands, waters and communities.
Learn more about us at smallchangefund.ca
What’s Small Change Fund?
Donate here to help us keep rolling with our vision of a youth transit revolution.
All donations will receive a tax receipt.
Get Rolling
Get on the Bus is funded in part by Alberta Ecotrust Foundation’s Environmental Impact Grant Program and the McConnell Foundation.
Get on the Bus is supported in part by RBC Foundation. While financially supported by RBC Foundation, Get on the Bus is solely responsible for all content. The RBC Foundation logo is used under license.
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