Saskatoon Transit is launching a new free ride program for children up to grade eight on September 1. The program allows elementary school-aged children to ride all Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit services for free without having to scan a ticket or show any documentation (such as an ID card). They simply need to board the bus according to their grade level.
On June 26, Saskatoon City Council voted to eliminate child fares to provide families with a cost-effective transportation option and encourage public transit use in the community. Saskatoon joins other Canadian cities, including the city of Regina, Saskatchewan, which offers free fares for children.
“The goal of the program is to make public transit more accessible and affordable for Saskatoon families,” said Michael Moellenbeck, director of Saskatoon Transit. “By removing the cost barrier, we can give all children the opportunity to safely and easily travel around the community, whether to school, extracurricular activities or family outings.”
The free child fare initiative was developed following extensive citizen engagement in spring 2024, where Saskatoon Transit worked with schools, community organizations, transit staff, members of the public and other transit agencies across the country. Based on the feedback received, city council adopted a simple and seamless program.
To monitor the impact of the program, Saskatoon Transit will work with local school boards and organizations to evaluate any operational savings and efficiency improvements. A report on the results will be presented to city council in summer 2025.
