Peterborough Transit is launching a new pilot program that will provide free transit access to youth between the ages of 13 and 18 during evenings, weekends, holidays and school breaks.
The Youth Transit Pass Pilot Program is designed to improve mobility for young people, reduce transportation costs and encourage lifelong transit use.
Eligible youth will be able to ride Peterborough Transit free of charge after school on weekdays, as well as on weekends, statutory holidays, summer vacation, winter break and March Break.
City officials say the initiative will help young residents access employment, sports, recreation and other community activities while building confidence using public transit.
Municipal Operations Co-Chairs Keith Riel and Don Vassiliadis said the program will remove financial and transportation barriers while helping youth become familiar with the transit system.
Councillor Lesley Parnell, Council’s appointee to the Youth Commission, said free transit for youth was a priority identified by local high school students, the Peterborough Youth Commission and Youth Council.
She said the initiative will help young people travel independently to jobs, sports and recreational activities while encouraging future transit use.
Youth can register online through the City of Peterborough to receive a Peterborough Youth Transit Pass.
The pilot program was approved by City Council as part of the City’s Transportation Master Plan.
