Child
Children Grade 8 and under now ride Transit for FREE
On September 1, Saskatoon Transit launched a new program offering free fares for children in Grade 8 and under.
Elementary school-aged children (Grade 8 and under) can board the bus based on their grade level and ride all Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit buses for free. No fare pass or show any documentation (such as an I.D.) is required.
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, children can 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 bus at no cost.
- No verification required: There’s no need to show I.D., 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 and Access Transit buses.
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.
Additional Information
What does "self-verification" mean?
Self-verification means that children in Grade 8 and under can simply board the bus without needing to show any form of ID, fare pass, or other documentation. They are trusted to board the bus and ride for free based on their grade level.
What should a child do if asked about their age or grade by a bus driver?
While operators generally won’t ask, if a child is asked about their age or grade, they can simply state that they are in Grade 8 or under. There is no need to provide further proof.
Why are high school students not included in this program?
While providing free transit fare for high school students would be beneficial, the current program approved by the City Council is limited to children in Grade 8 and under. This decision was made to provide families with a low-cost transportation option and encourage the use of public transit in the community.
We understand the importance of making public transit accessible for all students. Feedback received will be included in the report for City Council in Summer 2025, where the outcomes of this program will be reviewed. Expanding the program to include high school students may have budget implications that would require further approval from City Council.
What happens if a rider who is not eligible attempts to ride for free?
If a rider who is not eligible for the program attempts to ride for free, they may be reminded of the fare policy and asked to pay the appropriate fare. However, our primary goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment, so these situations will be handled with understanding and respect.
How long will the free child fare program be available?
The program start date is September 1, 2024, and will continue indefinitely. A report on the program’s first year impact will be presented to City Council in Summer 2025.
Can children ride for free during all hours of operation?
Yes, children in Grade 8 and under can ride for free during all operating hours of Saskatoon Transit, including weekends and holidays.
Is the free child fare program available for all routes?
Yes, the program covers all fixed-route, OnDemand, and Access Transit routes and services.
How is the program being funded?
The program is part of Saskatoon Transit’s broader fare review and is being implemented without impacting the 2024 budget. If there are impacts, they will be reviewed throughout the program’s first year of operation, and a report will be presented to the City Council in the Summer of 2025 for future budget deliberations.
How does Saskatoon Transit ensure the safety of children on buses?
Saskatoon Transit has a Zero Tolerance policy for verbal or physical abuse. All our buses are monitored 24/7 by video surveillance, and any incidents of abuse are fully prosecuted. We also have enhanced security patrols and uniformed supervisors on key routes and terminals to ensure a safe environment.
What should children do if they feel unsafe on a bus?
If a child feels unsafe on a bus, they should immediately inform the bus driver and move to a seat near the front of the bus where they are closer to the driver. The bus driver can communicate directly with emergency services for assistance if needed.
What should I do if there’s an issue with the program?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306.975.3100.