Canada’s Largest Youth

Transit Resource Library 

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 

  • Pilot program launched – Grade 9 students ride Kingston Transit for free. 2012
  • 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. 2013
  • Pilot expands to include Grades 9–11. Push for Grade 12 summer access begins (Report 15-283). 2015
  • Pilot expands to include all youth in Grades 9–12, propelling youth ridership to 600 000 rides annually! 2016
  • City adopts free transit for children aged 0–14 — no ID, no pass, no adult required. 2017
  • Pilot extended through 2022 (Report 19-225). Dan presents TEDx talk, “Throwing Our Car Culture Under the Bus”. 2019
  • Dan partners with Small Change Fund to explore strategic partnerships and expand reach of youth transit programming. 2021
  • Council makes youth transit program permanent. Dan represents Climate Reality Canada in the global 24 Hours of Reality Project hosted by Al Gore. 2022
  • Small Change Fund launches Get on the Bus as a national movement. 2023

Kingston Youth Transit 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.

City of Kingston — Council Reports

Federation of Canadian Municipalities

“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

Reports & Studies

Transit for Teens: Parental Perspectives on  the Impact of  Free

Transit for Youth 13-18 in BC

By Tia Howlett-Lean, March 2025 (Cape Breton University)

This MBA research project explores how public transit supports youth leadership development. Drawing on leadership theory and mobility studies, Howlett-Lean shows transit enhances independence, civic engagement and equity. The study calls for fare-free youth programs and transit training, highlighting Kingston, Ontario as a best practice example. 

Reduced Fare

Transit Pilot Updats

By Anna Lattanzi, November 2023 (Sunshine Coast Regional District)

This feasibility study assesses the impact of providing fare-free transit to youth aged 13-18. Findings show strong community support, with clear benefits for equity, GHG reduction and youth independence. A school-administered “combined pass” is recommended, supported by partnerships between the school district and local government. 

By Reed, Marchbank, and Travers, December 2021 (SSHRC)

This national synthesis compiles 10+ years of research on youth and transit, including youth-led advocacy, fare policies and involvement with transit authorities. The authors call for policy changes, inclusive engagement and expanded fare-free programs to support youth mobility, equity and long-term transit ridership. 

Getting Edmonton Youth on the Bus:

A Feasibility Study 

By Sophia Young, 2024 (Small Change Fund & Alberta Ecotrust)

This Edmonton-based feasibility report explores free youth transit passes and training. Surveys reveal cost barriers and strong community support for fare-free programs. The report identifies existing subsidies, champions for policy change and opportunities for city-school partnerships. Recommendations focus on expanding access while aligning with equity and climate goals.

Next Stop, Leadership: Empowering

Youth through Public Transportation

Single Mothers’ Alliance, 2023

This research brief shares parental insights on the impact of free public transit for teens, based on focus groups from Vancouver’s Reduced Fare Transit Pilot. Parents described transformative benefits: teens accessed more activities, supports and friendships; gained confidence and independence; and felt a greater sense of belonging. The findings underline the role of transit in mental wellness, inclusion and economic relief for low-income families. The report calls for extending fare-free transit through Grade 12 to ensure equitable youth mobility and opportunity.

Free Transit for Youth on the Sunshine Coast:

Feasibility Study

City of Vancouver Council Memo, September 2022

This memo summarizes Vancouver’s pilot providing reduced fare transit to low-income residents. Findings show improved access to health, employment and social connection. Though limited in duration and scope, the pilot supports broader affordability measures like the #AllOnBoard campaign for free youth transit and sliding-scale fares.

Youth and Public Transit:

A Knowledge Synthesis 

By Jacqui Scaman, June 2019 (City of Charlottetown & T3 Transit)

This report evaluates a pilot offering free bus passes to high school students in Charlottetown. Participants used transit more often, gained independence and engaged in more activities. Despite positive outcomes, most students indicated they wouldn’t pay for future passes due to cost barriers. The report recommends expanding the free pass program with shared funding. 

The Impact of Subsidized Transit Programs in

Charlottetown High Schools

Community Materials

Our goal is to create the most up-to-date library of resources from communities who are acting on free youth transit. See a resource that's missing? Let us know at info@getonthebus.ca!