WSD official expects older students to get free youth Transit passes first in staggered rollout of pilot program
A program allowing youths to ride Winnipeg Transit buses fare-free is on track to start next month, though some will wait longer than others to get their passes. The provincially […]
Winnipeg's Free Youth Transit Pass Pilot program is set to begin in September, with some students receiving their passes before others. Premier Wab Kinew revealed that the passes will be offered based on grade levels, starting with students in grades 11 and 12. Winnipeg School Division superintendent Matt Henderson expects to provide passes to students in grades 11 and 12 during the week of September 9.
Students in grades 9 and 10 are expected to receive their passes in the week of September 21, followed by students in grades 7 and 8 during the week of September 28. Winnipeg Transit estimates there are 65,000 youths in the eligible age group, but plans to initially cap the program at 30,000 passes, assuming a 50 per cent uptake.
While the program should last the full school year, transit spokeswoman Megan Benedictson did not provide details on how this could be funded. Critics have expressed concerns that the program may overwhelm the transit system and lead to chaos in September.
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