Three organizations from the Free Transit Ridership Working Group (GrantRiver Transit [GRT], Waterloo Region District School Board [WRDSB], and Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region [STSWR]) have entered a partnership and launched a new pilot program to support high school students to use transit for school, extra-curriculars, and employment opportunities.
With funding from the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Education, all eligible WRDSB high school students in magnet school programs (e.g., French immersion) have received a GRT pass for unlimited rides for the 2025-2026 school year. All eligible students have been contacted and received information on how to get their pass and how to ride GRT.
As the school year goes on, GRT will monitor uptake, experience, and identify future opportunities with partners. Findings will be shared back with the working group.
This program is a first step towards unlocking transit opportunities for all high-school aged young people in Waterloo Region! To learn more about GRT’s transit priorities, please check out the GRT Business Plan.