Free Transit Services for Youth

Dear RETSD Families

We are very excited to share that the Manitoba government is bringing in free transit for kids and youth in Manitoba and partnering with the City of Winnipeg to provide free transit services to youth in Winnipeg. Students will be able to access passes through their school as part of a staged roll-out beginning the first week of the 2026/27 school year.

School divisions have been working closely with Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning to ensure that all eligible youth can access bus passes through their school.

Passes will be distributed to students in grades 6 to 12 in the following stages outlined by grade below.

If a pass is required by a student sooner than their grade eligibility, we encourage you to talk to their school administration so that a pass can be made available to them.

We ask that parents, caregivers, and guardians emphasize to students the importance of keeping their pass safe and not losing or damaging their pass.

Passes are valid for a full year and will expire on August 31, 2027. Passes issued to students are not transferable and are for the student’s use only. Students in grades 10 to 12 are encouraged to carry their student ID together with their pass.

As per current Winnipeg Transit policy children aged 11 and under are able to ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying customer.

Prior to receiving a pass, parental consent will be required. To provide student permission, please access the PowerSchool Parent Portal, under the forms tab. As part of our commitment to safety, we want to ensure parents, caregivers and guardians are informed and involved in this process. 

For information on transit scheduling, routes or on how to use Winnipeg Transit students, families and care-providers are encouraged to access: Winnipeg.ca/youthridefree.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding transit passes for youth, please contact your child's school.