Manitoba launches free transit pilot for youth under 18

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a new pilot project that will provide free public transit for all residents under 18. The initiative will start in Selkirk this summer, offering free rides to youth aged 12 to 21 through a "NextStop" pass. This program aims to encourage young people to use transit, with the goal of fostering lifelong ridership.

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We’re going to work with them over the next few months to make sure when you come back to school in the fall, no one under 18 has to pay for transit at all.

Following the Selkirk pilot, the province plans to expand free youth transit to Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler, and Flin Flon in September. Selkirk was chosen for the pilot due to its existing comprehensive transit plan. The city has seen significant growth in ridership, nearly tripling from 2011 to 2024.

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Youth that grow up using transit become adults that use transit.

The provincial government is investing $10 million into the pilot project, while the city of Selkirk is contributing approximately $500,000. Mayor Larry Johannson anticipates further ridership increases as more young people become accustomed to the service. The city plans to engage students by bringing a bus to schools annually.

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What we’re doing as the province is just stepping up as the funder for a model that the city of Selkirk was already planning to roll out.