Brandon is poised to become the second city in Manitoba offering free public transit to youth, starting on September 1st. The city is seeking up to $1 million in funding from the provincial government to compensate for anticipated lost transit revenue from September 2026 to August 2027.
Jon Zilkey, superintendent and CEO of the Brandon School Division, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it presents a significant opportunity for students in Grades 1 to 12. He highlighted how transportation barriers often hinder students from accessing education and how the introduction of bus transit will help eliminate such obstacles.
Selkirk initiated a pilot program in June, extending it to all students aged 12 to 21 enrolled in local schools. The estimated cost of implementing the program in Selkirk is $500,000. Winnipeg is set to launch a similar program at the start of the upcoming school year, according to a Winnipeg Transit spokesperson.
The Manitoba government, as part of its March budget, announced plans to introduce fare-free public transit for youth aged 18 and under in various municipal transit systems, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Flin Flon, Selkirk, and Winkler. A budget of $10 million was allocated to reimburse these municipalities for the one-year pilot project.
In Winnipeg, the cost of running the program for the 2026-27 school year is projected to be around $16 million, as per a report presented to city council in June. Zilkey emphasized the positive impact the program will have on students in Brandon, describing it as a “game changer.”
Passes for the program will be supplied by the City of Brandon and distributed through the school division. Greg Brown, acting director of transportation for the city, anticipates an increase in youth ridership with the new initiative, emphasizing the long-term benefits of encouraging community members to utilize public transit.
While acknowledging potential risks, including the cancellation of funding, Brown expressed optimism about the program’s future. Sustainable Brandon, represented by Kat Hunkin, lauded the initiative as a significant step towards promoting sustainability and affordability, particularly in reducing climate emissions associated with private vehicle use.
Efforts to implement the pilot project in Flin Flon and Winkler were underway, with CBC News seeking clarification on their intentions. The program is expected to have far-reaching benefits for both the environment and the community.
