First wave of eligible students snap up more than 18,000 free annual Winnipeg Transit passes
More than 18,000 free Winnipeg Transit passes have been handed out to Grade 11 and 12 students so far as part of a provincial pilot program, the NDP government announced […]
The first wave of eligible Grade 11 and 12 students in Winnipeg have quickly snapped up over 18,000 free annual Winnipeg Transit passes, as part of a provincial pilot program announced by the NDP government on Thursday. Each annual subscription costs $205.00 plus GST for one year, automatically renewing at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks.
Students are now receiving annual youth passes, valid until Aug. 31, 2027, with Grade 6 to 10 students expected next. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt emphasized the versatility of the pass, stating it can be used for school, work, and social activities. The City of Winnipeg has sent 60,000 passes to schools, exceeding the initial plan of 30,000.
Premier Wab Kinew assured that no student will be left without a pass, even if demand surpasses supply. Grade 9 and 10 students will receive passes starting the week of Sept. 21, while Grade 6 to 8 students will begin receiving theirs the last week of September. Some divisions require parental consent before issuing a pass. Winnipeg Transit's existing policy offers free transit for children aged 11 and under when accompanied by a fare-paying customer.
The program is estimated to cost $16.5 million in the 2026-27 school year, with $10 million allocated by the province in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
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