Free Bus FareKids love buses. At least mine do! “Bus” was a popular early word for both my daughters. I distinctly remember pushing them in baby swings at the park, and whenever they’d spot a bus, I’d hear “Bus! Bus! Bus! Bus!” When they got a little older they were keen to differentiate between a school bus and a city bus. Truth be told, buses are still popular, and probably second only to fire trucks when it comes to an exciting discovery on the road!

Edmonton Transit Service understands these popular people-movers are more than just exciting for kids – they know the bus system is a critical lifeline for many families, AND an environmentally-responsible choice for citizens of all ages. As of June 1, 2018, Edmonton Transit Service is providing FREE bus fare for kids 12 and under. Children will have to be accompanied by a fare-paying adult to take advantage of this service. Unaccompanied children will still have to pay cash fare or use youth tickets to board the bus or LRT.

Whether families use the Edmonton Transit Service every day to go to work, school, appointments, recreation and more, or take the bus to popular events like Taste of Edmonton, the Heritage Festival and other summer fun, this change will result in a substantial savings on transit fares. Prior to June 1, 2018 fares were $3.25 per rider for a single ride, with only children 5 and under allowed to ride for free. The new Free Bus Fare program is one of many initiatives aimed at making Edmonton a more family-friendly city.

The Edmonton Transit Service is also making changes to the bus system’s routes. ETS has recently released a proposed bus network that will see all bus routes in Edmonton changing. They want to make it easier for citizens to move around the city quickly and efficiently. The rollout is scheduled for 2020, and right now, your input is needed. The City has release a report on what they heard from citizens in the Spring of 2018, but there is still time to have your say! ETS wants to make sure the bus goes where YOU want it to go, and they’d like to hear if Edmontonians think they missed an important destination.

The new route types and maps are available here. You can also have your say by attending one of the drop-in workshops (There are a handful of dates left in November & December 2018, so check the website for the workshop closest to you! Food and beverages, children’s activities and more will be available at these events.) or by filling out an online survey. (The date to complete the survey is December 9, 2018, so don’t dilly-dally if you’d like your feedback heard!)

ETS Free Bus Fare for Kids 12 and under:

When: effective June 1, 2018
Cost: Kids 12 and under ride FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.
Website: www.edmonton.ca