Local high school students and seniors may soon get a break when it comes to the cost of riding the bus.
Included in the draft 2025 city budget update is funding for a pair of one-year pilot programs aimed at saving money for people in those respective age brackets.
If it survives the budget update process, high school students will receive free rides on Guelph Transit after 5 p.m. weekdays as well as through weekends and holidays. It was introduced in the draft budget following an order from Mayor Cam Guthrie.
One-time funding of $134,000 – determined based on $92,000 in anticipated lost revenue and $42,000 in additional staffing – is to come from the city’s operating contingency reserve.
“The free transit for youth may result in overtaxed buses requiring additional buses and or leaving customers behind due to increased ridership,” states a staff report to council included in the budget documents.
“Staff will report back to council about program uptake and provide a recommendation about whether the program should be considered for permanent implementation ahead of the 2026 budget confirmation process.”
It’s possible the city could find sponsors to offset the loss of revenue, that report notes.
“Based on previous experience with similar sponsorships, it is expected that potential sponsorship revenue would be in the range of $10,000 - $15,000.”
For seniors, free rides would be allowed every Thursday.
In both cases, individuals seeking a free ride must have an On Your Way transit card.
