Regional council looks to extend Student Transit Pass Pilot Program

Wednesday’s council meeting will draw discussion on whether or not the municipality should expand its Student Transit Pass Pilot Program.

Phase 1 of the pilot program was launched in fall 2021 and provided free transit passes to students at four high schools. The pilot continued to grow, and in June 2024, regional council approved the program’s expansion for the 2024/25 school year, funded by a $1.8 million investment —$1.2 million from the province and $600,000 from the municipality. This expansion led to the distribution of over 28,000 transit passes across 59 schools.

In early 2025, an amendment was ratified with the province to include approximately 100 students attending two Designated Special Education Private Schools (DSEPS) into the pilot.

Municipal staff have said in a report to council that all current partners have expressed interest in exploring the transition of the program into a permanent fixture. While that process would require substantially more funding, staff are currently recommending that an agreement be made with the province to extend the current funding through to the 2025/26 school year.

What staff have concluded is that the pilot program has proved beneficial for many students across the municipality. In winter 2025, 52.4 per cent of students reported using Halifax Transit as one of their primary methods of transportation to and from school. This is a stark increase from just 11.8 per cent prior to the pilot program. Over 20 per cent of parents and guardians reported that before the pilot program, their child was discouraged from using transit due to the cost of the fare.

Over 90 per cent of high school students part of the program indicated that the transit pass allowed them to feel more independent in their daily travel. The passes can be used at any time, not just for school transportation. In winter 2025, 75.8 per cent of students reported using the transit system at least once per week for non-school-related travel.

The other part of the program seeks to educate younger Haligonians about the transit system. In winter 2025, 59.1 per cent of junior high students and 64.4 per cent of high school students reported feeling confident navigating the transit system. From the parent perspective, 74.6 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that their child could confidently navigate Halifax Transit. From fall 2024 to winter 2025, students’ perception of safety on the transit system also increased.

With the success of the program and the outlook towards expansion and permanent implementation, the municipality is also considering the feasibility of expanding the program to include homeschooled students.

Council will vote on staff recommendations Wednesday June 11.