Resources
Youth Transit Programming in Kingston
Our goal is to create an aggregated, open-access library of resources to help communities who are exploring free youth transit programs for youth. Do you have something to add to this page? Please let us know!
The Kingston Model Youth Transit Programming Resources
In 2012, Program Director Dan Hendry helped plant the seeds for the Get On the Bus youth transit movement in Kingston, Ontario. In partnership with the Limestone District School Board and the City of Kingston (Kingston Transit), he introduced the transformative Kingston High School Bus Pass Program. This simple yet powerful model gave high school students free bus passes, along with hands-on training that built confidence in navigating public transit.
The results were remarkable: Kingston high school students increased their transit use from 28,000 to nearly 600,000 rides annually (pre-Covid numbers). This dramatic leap demonstrates the impact of our core philosophy: when you equip youth with the tools, skills and encouragement they need to use public transportation, they gain real-world independence and a sense of agency – and become dedicated transit riders.
This “Kingston Model” championed by Get On The Bus is about more than free rides; it’s about creating a lasting cultural shift. By cutting carbon emissions, building life skills and empowering youth, we’re proving that a simple bus pass can be a catalyst for widespread change in how communities move and grow.
We invite you to explore our journey below, along with some key resources.
“Pilot program launched – Grade 9 students ride Kingston Transit for free.”
“Limestone District School Board begins developing an in-school training program with funding from United Way (Report 13-260). Pilot expands to include Grade 10 students. ”
“Pilot expands to include Grades 9–11. Push for Grade 12 summer access begins (Report 15-283).”
“Pilot expands to include all youth in Grades 9-12, propelling youth ridership to 600,000 rides annually!”
“City adopts free transit for children aged 0–14 — no ID, no pass, no adult required.”
“Pilot extended through 2022 (Report 19-225). Dan presents TEDx talk, ”Throwing Our Car Culture Under the Bus””
“Dan partners with Small Change Fund to explore strategic partnerships and expand reach of youth transit programming.”
“Council makes youth transit program permanent. Dan represents Climate Reality Canada in the global 24 Hours of Reality Project hosted by Al Gore.”
“Small Change Fund launches Get on the Bus as a national movement.”
Kingston Youth Transit Resources
TEDx Ottawa
City of Kingston — Council Reports
June 19, 2012 – Council Report: Grade 9 – Community Activity Pass – Addition of Kingston Transit Access
June 16, 2013 – Council Report: Kingston Transit – Grade 9 Transit Pass Pilot Program
June 17, 2014 – Council Report: Kingston Transit – Grade 9 & 10 Transit Pass Extended Pilot Program
June 16, 2015 – Council Report: Kingston Transit – Secondary School Complimentary Transit Pilot
May 3, 2016 – Council Report: Kingston Transit – Secondary School Complimentary Transit Pilot Program
August 13, 2019 – Council Report: Kingston Transit – Secondary School Transit Program – 3-Year Program Extension – 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022
August 9, 2022 – Council Report: Kingston Transit - High School Transit Pass Program
Master’s Thesis
Community Materials
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The City of Barrie and the Simcoe County District School Board are piloting free transit passes for 82 Innisidale Secondary School students. They are reviewing the program’s impact during the 2024–2025 school year and will consider an expansion based on results.
City of Barrie:
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In spring 2023, Belleville announced a free transit initiative for high school students. The program includes an orientation for Grade 8 students and aligns with the city’s Transportation Master Plan to create a viable and accessible transit system.
City of Belleville:
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In August 2023, Burlington City Council introduced free transit for youth on evenings and weekends. This program was introduced following the success of a similar seniors’ pilot that saw a 41% ridership increase and became permanent in 2022.
City of Burlington:
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Halifax Transit’s pilot program was expanded — thanks in part to provincial funding — for the 2024-2025 school year. The program now includes over 28,000 students in grades 7 to 12 across 59 schools.
Halifax Regional Council:
December 17, 2020 - Report: 2021/22 Student Transit Pass Pilot Program
April 12, 2021 - Report: Expanded 2021-2022 Student Transit Pass Pilot Program
November 8, 2022 - Report: Student Transit Pass Pilot Program - Phases 2 & 3
November 23, 2023 - Presentation: Student Transit Pass Program
November 23, 2023 - Transportation Standing Committee [YouTube]
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The Kingston High School Bus Pass Program, launched as a pilot in 2012, now offers free bus passes to all students in Grades 9–12 and includes annual on-bus orientation. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Canada, has become a model of innovation and sustainability. Children 14 and under also ride free without passes.
City of Kingston:
June 19, 2012 - Report: Grade 9 – Community Activity Pass – Addition of Kingston Transit Access
July 16, 2013 - Report: Kingston Transit – Grade 9 Transit Pass Pilot Program
June 17, 2014 - Report: Kingston Transit – Grade 9 & 10 Transit Pass Extended Pilot Program
June 16, 2015 - Report: Kingston Transit – Secondary School Complimentary Transit Pilot Program
May 3, 2016 - Report: Kingston Transit – Secondary School Complimentary Transit Pilot Program
August 9, 2022 - Report: Kingston Transit - High School Transit Pass Program
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In May of 2023, Oakville Transit introduced fare-free service for seniors and youth aged 13 to 19. In the program’s first month, youth ridership rose by 85%.
Town of Oakville:
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Orangeville launched a fare-free transit pilot for all riders in January 2023. The program resulted in a steady increase in ridership—from 8,259 in June 2022 to 20,131 in June 2023. The program has been extended until 2027.
Town of Orangeville:
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Orillia ran a fare-free transit pilot program for youth aged 13 to 19 from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025.
City of Orillia:
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The City of Peterborough is working on a free transit program for youth and high school students. The program will launch by September 2025.
City of Peterborough
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In November 2020, St. Albert’s City Council unanimously approved free transit for children under 12 and teens 13 to 18. This decision followed a successful pilot that demonstrated a notable increase in ridership.
Sunshine Coast Regional District:
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As part of a pilot program, free TTC transit will be provided for Grade 7–12 student field trips along routes with sufficient capacity throughout the 2024 - 2025 school year. Developed with Toronto’s school boards, the initiative aims to familiarize students with transit, expand educational access, and remain cost-neutral. Pilot outcomes will guide any potential extension.
Toronto Transit Commission:
May 16, 2024 - Report: Pilot – Free Transit for Grade 7-12 Student Field Trips
February 22, 2024 - Report: A Step Towards Free Transit for Middle and High School Students
September 26, 2023 - Toronto Transit Commission Board Meeting [YouTube]
May 16, 2024 - Toronto Transit Commission Board Meeting [YouTube]
“The free bus pass allowed me to develop independence since I was no longer reliant on my parents for rides, and improved my social life dramatically since I could travel across town reliably without charge.”
— Saige Clark, Frontenac Secondary School Alumna