The Manitoba government is delivering good news for families with the launch of free transit for Winnipeg youth beginning this fall, Premier Wab Kinew, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt, and Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced on September 10.
"This is a major win for affordability and for the future of public transit," said Kinew. "This investment helps parents save money today while building lifelong transit users for the future. We're proud to work with the City of Winnipeg to deliver a program that makes life more affordable and keeps our communities moving."
In Winnipeg, passes are being given to students through a phased approach, with all passes distributed by the end of the month. A monthly pass currently costs $57.70 ($692 per child per year), which means an average family with two children will save more than $1,300 a year.
"Reliable transportation is essential for student success," said Schmidt. "This investment supports thousands of young people across Manitoba and strengthens our commitment to accessible education."
"These are real savings for families," said Simard. "Free youth transit in Winnipeg will help young people get to school, work, sports and community activities, and it will save Winnipeg families hundreds of dollars every year. It also gives young people the chance to build confidence in using public transit early in life."
The youth transit passes are being distributed through all Winnipeg schools, beginning with grades 11 and 12 on September 10. Students in grades 9 and 10 will have access to the passes Sept. 22, while students in grades 7 and 8 will be able to pick up their passes by the end of the month.
"This partnership will make transit more accessible for thousands of young people, and it builds on Winnipeg's existing free transit program for younger children," said Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg. "It's another example of what we can accomplish when governments work together making life easier and more affordable for Winnipeg families."
Free transit will be available to youth ages 11 to 17. Those 18- to 21-year-olds still in high school are also eligible. Other jurisdictions that will be eligible for free transit include Brandon, Flin Flon, Winkler and Selkirk.
