Empowering Youth Through Public Transit: A Game Changer!

On Tuesday, March 25, Dan Hendry delivered an inspiring webinar hosted by The Atlantic Canada Climate Network and the Canadian Environmental Network, highlighting the transformative power of youth-focused transit programs. Dan shared insights from the groundbreaking "Get on the Bus" movement, emphasizing the critical role of youth engagement, transit training, and innovative policy approaches in normalizing public transit use within communities.

Kingston, Ontario, has been at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating remarkable outcomes between 2012 and 2023. By integrating free public transit programs for students, Kingston experienced an unprecedented growth in high school ridership—from approximately 28,000 rides to nearly 600,000 rides annually. This initiative has not only reduced reliance on parental transportation, thereby lowering community carbon footprints, but also significantly increased autonomy and independence among youth.

Today, over 20 communities across Canada are inspired by Kingston’s success, actively exploring or implementing similar youth transit initiatives. The webinar offered an opportunity to celebrate these efforts and share valuable lessons on driving participation and long-term sustainability.

Watch the full webinar to learn how communities can adopt and adapt these powerful strategies to foster inclusivity, sustainability, and vibrant urban living: Youth Transport: Beating the Bus with Dan Hendry - YouTube