A new pilot project is being rolled out this fall to give youth better transit access in Winnipeg.
The Free Youth Transit Pass Pilot provides a free transit pass to students aged 11-21 who are enrolled in Grades 7-12 at a Winnipeg-based public, independent, or home school program for the 2026-2027 school year.
Passes will be valid from September 2026-August 2027 and are valid for any trip, route, or time of day, including Winnipeg Transit’s On Request service and Transit Plus (for students who meet eligibility requirements).
The youth transit pass can be used for any transit trip- not just those to and from school. The program is designed to remove transportation barriers and improve youth access to school, recreation, employment, and community activities.
Check out this resource for more info and practical advice for youth:
Ready to Ride: A student guide to using your free Youth Transit Pass
How do youth get their free transit passes?
Passes are being distributed by schools in phases to support an orderly rollout and to help manage demand on the transit system.
| Student Grade | Distribution Date (Begins) |
| Grade 11 & 12 | September 10 |
| Grade 9 & 10 | September 22 |
| Grade 7 & 8 | September 29 |
Students should contact their classroom teacher or school office for information on how and when their pass will be available. Homeschooled children will receive information about how to access their pass through the province/education department.
All students must show their youth transit pass every time they board the bus. High school students should also show their student ID. Transit wallets are being distributed alongside the passes to hold both the pass and a student ID.
Will there be more crowded buses and pass-ups?
September is always a very busy time for transit, as school and university students return to classes and families resume normal fall routines.
During the first weeks of the pilot, students may experience full buses, occasional delays, or pass-ups during peak times. Winnipeg Transit will closely monitor demand, crowding and service reliability throughout the pilot, with particular attention to school travel periods. They will be actively gathering info and data to identify where service adjustments may be needed.
Transit will also have some buses on standby to quickly add extra trips as much as possible, and will have 100% of its fleet on the roads during peak hours for the pilot rollout.
What can we expect in Elmwood-East Kildonan?
Here in Elmwood-East Kildonan, the #442 Concordia-North Kildonan bus route will have more service added during morning and afternoon school travel times in anticipation of higher student ridership.
How is this pilot program being funded?
The cost of delivering the Youth Transit Pass pilot is estimated at $16.5 million. The Provincial government announced a $10 million investment in the pilot project as part of its Budget 2026. The remaining $6.5 million is funded through the amended Winnipeg Transit 2026 operating budget.
Have more questions? Please feel free to reach out to my office or contact 311.