Free Transit Passes for London High Schoolers: A Step Towards Accessible Transportation

London's Clarke Road Secondary School students are on the verge of receiving free transit passes, thanks to a pilot program that’s set to roll out in the fall of 2025. This initiative aims to provide Grade 9 and 10 students with free access to London Transit buses, potentially paving the way for a city-wide adoption.

The program, spanning two school years, is estimated to cost about $900,000. The split is planned with Grade 9 students benefiting in the first year and Grade 10s joining the following year. This phased approach will involve 225 students initially, increasing to 450 in the second year. Clarke Road was strategically chosen due to its accessible transit routes.

The primary goal of this pilot is to improve accessibility for students, extending beyond just school commutes. Students can use the passes for employment, volunteering, community programs, and more during non-school hours. While the program’s financial burden is significant, the potential benefits in promoting public transit use among youth could be substantial.

City councillors have shown strong support, but some have raised questions. Arguments have surfaced regarding the clarity of the program's long-term objectives and funding sources beyond the trial run. To tackle these concerns, a collaborative plan involving London Transit, city hall, and the Thames Valley District school board is being developed.

At a recent committee meeting, Thames Valley board trustee Lori-Ann Pizzolato emphasized the wider benefits for students, which include better access to jobs and community activities. Similarly, Dan Hendry from the youth transit advocacy group Get On The Bus cited Kingston’s successful implementation of a similar program, suggesting older students tend to use transit more as they grow accustomed to it.

Despite some councillors questioning the need for a pilot, Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis stressed that this careful, phased rollout is essential. While the initiative has broad support, the specifics of collaboration and funding distribution remain topics for further discussion. The hope is that, with solid data from the pilot, a broader program could be implemented throughout London's high schools.