Expand Free Transit for All Youth
Fare-free transit expanded to Youth aged 12 and under
In 2023, Calgary took a great step by making transit free for kids 12 and under. But if you're a teenager in this city, you're still paying just to get to school, work, or practice — and I believe we can do better.
I'm proud to have been part of the advocacy efforts that helped raise Calgary’s fare-free transit age from 5 to 12 years. It was a win for equity, affordability, and access — and a rare moment where our city chose to help transit instead of cutting it. But that progress shouldn’t stop at age 12.
Access to transit for youth means access to independence
As a parent of three, I’ve seen firsthand how important mobility is for young people. Whether it’s getting to school, a part-time job, or just meeting up with friends, access to transit means access to independence.
Making transit free for all youth up to age 18 is a worthwhile investment that will pay off
That’s why I believe it’s time to make transit fare-free for all youth up to age 18. It’s a smart and compassionate move — and it doesn’t break the bank. Here in Calgary, it would cost less than $20-million dollars a year to make it so every kid can move freely without needing to touch the fare box.
And that investment in our youth pays off in big ways: Fewer school drop-offs and pick-ups clogging the roads during peak times. Less financial pressure on families getting around together and more young people participating in community life and all this city has to offer.
And finally, if we consider that students at our post-secondaries get a U-Pass, our kids could be riding the bus and train for free until their early twenties. That’s how we build a stronger connection to transit that can last a lifetime and create a generational shift in how we move around.
Let’s build a more affordable and connected city that gives youth greater freedom to get around
I believe this is the kind of practical, people-first policy we need more of in Calgary, and if you believe in building this more affordable, connected city that makes life easier for families and gives youth the freedom to get around, I hope you’ll help me bring it to City Hall.