Brandon is poised to be the second city in Manitoba to offer complimentary public transportation for young residents, beginning on September 1. The city is seeking financial support of up to $1 million from the provincial government to cover the anticipated loss in transit revenue from September 2026 to August 2027.
Jon Zilkey, the superintendent and CEO of the Brandon School Division, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting the positive impact it will have on students in Grades 1 to 12 by eliminating transportation barriers to school attendance.
Selkirk initiated a trial of the service in June and expanded it to all students aged 12 to 21 who are enrolled in local schools. The estimated cost to implement the program in Selkirk is $500,000.
In a statement to CBC News, a spokesperson for Winnipeg Transit announced that the City of Winnipeg is preparing to launch the program at the start of the upcoming school year, pending final coordination with the province.
The Manitoba government’s March budget outlined plans to introduce fare-free public transit for youth under 18 in several municipalities, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Flin Flon, Selkirk, and Winkler. An allocation of $10 million was designated to reimburse these municipalities for the one-year pilot project.
Brandon officials are optimistic about the program’s impact, with Jon Zilkey emphasizing the significance of removing barriers for students and promoting regular transit use beyond school commutes. Pass distribution will be managed by the City of Brandon and the school division.
Greg Brown, the acting director of transportation for the City of Brandon, anticipates a rise in youth ridership due to the program, emphasizing the long-term benefits of fostering a culture of public transit use in the community.
Despite the positive outlook, Brown acknowledged the potential risk of funding cancellation, emphasizing the need for a multi-year agreement to sustain the initiative.
Kat Hunkin from Sustainable Brandon praised the program as a victory for environmental sustainability and affordability, citing the reduction in carbon emissions and cost savings associated with public transit compared to private vehicle use.
Efforts to reach Flin Flon and Winkler for information on their participation in the pilot project have been unsuccessful.
The program is scheduled to commence on September 1, providing free bus services to students aged six to 17 in Brandon, with plans for potential expansion and long-term sustainability.