Winnipeg Transit (CITY OF WINNIPEG / FILE)
Winnipeg Transit is offering free youth passes to students this school year through a new partnership with the province.
The Youth Ride Free pilot program is available to students ages 11 to 21 in grades 7-12 at public, independent and homeschool programs, aimed at making transit more affordable and accessible for young people. Passes are being distributed by schools in a staged rollout and are valid from September 2026 to August 2027, usable for travel to and from school, work and recreational activities.
“Winnipeg has provided free transit for younger children for several years, and we’re happy to partner with the province to build on that foundation by extending free transit to thousands more young people,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.
The city said buses are expected to be busier than usual, particularly during morning and afternoon rush hour. Ridership, crowding and service reliability will be closely monitored to identify routes and times where additional service changes may be needed.
Winnipeg police, transit inspectors and community safety officers will have a more visible presence on main routes serving middle and high schools in anticipation of the increase in youth riders.
A monthly pass currently costs $57.70 ($692 per child per year), saving the average family with two children more than $2,125 a year.
