Children ride free starting September 1

Starting on September 1, Saskatoon Transit will launch a new program offering free fares for children in Grade 8 and under. This program allows elementary school-age children to ride all Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit services for free without needing to scan a fare pass or show any documentation (such as an ID) simply by boarding the bus based on their grade level.

On June 26, City Council approved the elimination of child fares to provide families with a low-cost transportation option and encourage the use of public transit in the community. Saskatoon joins other Canadian cities, including the City of Regina, in offering free transit fares for children.

The free child fare initiative was developed after extensive community engagement in Spring 2024, during which Saskatoon Transit engaged 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.

Why offer free child fare?

With the free child fare program, we are able to help make public transit more accessible and affordable for Saskatoon families. By removing fare barriers, we’re making it easier for children to travel safely and conveniently to school, extracurricular activities, or family outings.

Key program features:

• Children ride free: Kids in Grade 8 and under can ride any Saskatoon Transit bus or Access Transit service at no cost.
• No verification required: There’s no need to show ID, student cards, or fare passes. The child and bus operator will self-verify when boarding.
• Available on all routes: Free child fare applies to all Saskatoon Transit fixed-route services and Access Transit.

Plan your trip:

Not sure how to get started? Trips can be planned using the Transit app or Google Maps Transit. The Transit app can be downloaded in the Apple App or Google Play stores. These tools provide real-time bus locations and service alerts to help find the best route. Plus, with the Transit+ feature, public transit trips can be combined with other modes of transportation like ridesharing, cycling, or walking.

Looking ahead:

To monitor the program’s impact, Saskatoon Transit will collaborate with local school boards and organizations to assess any operational savings and efficiency improvements. A report on the outcomes will be presented to City Council in Summer 2025.