London School Board Investigating Free Transit for High Schoolers

Exciting news is coming out of London, Ontario! The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), the region's largest, is investigating the possibility of offering a free high school student bus pass program with the London Transit Commission by Fall 2024. Youth residing in London, St. Thomas, and Woodstock would be eligible.

This discussion began in February 2023 following reports of school bus driver shortages in the region. The TVDSB unanimously agreed to a free youth transit pass proposal in February to combat the driver shortage and declining transit ridership.

In an interview with CBC News, Chair Lori-Ann Pizzolato noted how she was impressed by the Kingston Model for Youth Transit that Get on the Bus co-founder, Dan Hendry, helped create with the Limestone District School Board.

Pizzolato was especially impressed by the equity created by the model and emphasized that a  ridership program in the London area would enable high school students to "develop independence and confidence, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.”  She also highlighted how the program would assist youth not only in commuting to school but also with travelling to volunteer opportunities, co-op placements, jobs, extra-curriculars, and more.

The TVDSB Planning and Priorities Advisory Committee is scheduled to convene in February 2024 to examine a feasibility report.

On Monday, November 6th, Dan shared the impact of the Get on the Bus movement across Canada on the radio show London Morning with Andrew Brown. Dan covered the impact that youth transit programming has had in Kingston over the past decade, including a 140% increase in monthly transit pass purchases after graduation.  

The Get on the Bus team is happy to see London joining the growing list of communities across Canada investigating youth transit solutions, including  Halifax, Orangeville, Belleville, Victoria, Toronto, and Grand Prairie. Free youth transit can transform students’ lives by providing access to unlimited opportunities.