Transit will be free for children in Saskatoon as of September, but where the cut-off is for age eligibility and whether a pass is needed is still in the works.

Administration reported to the Transportation Committee after public and stakeholder engagement that instead of age, it should be free for children up to and including Grade 8 students. Michael Mollenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit explains that it is simpler that way. Not everyone is the same age in any class, and this keeps riding the bus free all the way through elementary school.

Along with approving that recommendation, the Committee also approved children not needing a pass or having to show some sort of identification, or to have to be accompanied by an adult. A letter introduced at the meeting from the Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership Coordinator, Colleen Christopherson-Cote, agrees with the idea of free transit and for not having to show a pass. She says, “Creating barrier-free access to young riders grade 8 and under creates opportunity to build a culture of public transit use in Saskatoon, and creates a cost-effective transportation option for low-income families.” Robert Clipperton, a spokesperson for the advocacy group Bus Riders of Saskatoon, agrees with these recommendations and adds that not putting limits through passes or identification makes riding the bus more equitable. He notes that you don’t need to show your age to go to a playground.

He says, “This is not going to affect a large sector of the population, but for some families I think this move is going to be life-changing. And in future years as you think back as to what you were able to accomplish during your time on Council, I think you will be able to point proudly to making Transit free for children.” Right now, Transit is free for children under 5.