High School to Test Free Student Bus Passes with $900K Pilot Program

In an exciting move for Clarke Road Secondary School, a new proposal is in the works to provide free London Transit passes to Grade 9 and 10 students. This pilot program, spanning two years, is set to cost around $900,000.

Originally planned to start this fall, the initiative has been postponed to fall 2025, as per a report going to the London Transit Commission. The decision aims to ensure the project is financially viable for both the school and municipal government.

Ward 5 Councillor Jerry Pribil emphasized the importance of tangible improvements in services from the program. He highlighted that it should deliver the desired results while being cost-effective for the future. The pilot project will begin with Grade 9 students in the first year and extend to include Grade 10 students in the second year, starting with 225 students and doubling to 450 respectively.

Clarke Road Secondary School stands as the perfect candidate for this trial because of its location on several transit routes serving the east end of London. This makes accessibility easier and more efficient for the students involved.

City staff are preparing to collaborate with London Transit, city hall, and Thames Valley District school board officials to iron out responsibilities and objectives. However, questions remain regarding funding beyond the two-year trial and the specific goals the program aims to achieve.

Pribil shared his optimism about the benefits of the free bus passes, stating that they provide flexibility beyond just school commutes. Students can use the passes at any time, offering them greater freedom throughout the day.

The city council recently voted 13-2 to delay the rollout of the pilot project to next fall, with only Sam Trosow and Susan Stevenson opposing the move. City hall's contribution to the London Transit budget has increased from $45.8 million in 2023 to $58.3 million this year, showing significant investment in local public transportation.

While the cost and logistics are still under review, the excitement around this initiative could mark a significant step toward making public transportation more accessible for students, ultimately benefiting the entire community.