FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2026
PRESS RELEASE: Over 600 residents send emails to Council calling to reverse cuts to youth transit pass in less than 24 hours
PRESS RELEASE: Over 600 residents send emails to Council calling to reverse cuts to youth transit pass in less than 24 hours
OTTAWA - In less than 24 hours, over 600 residents have already sent an email to councillors demanding they reverse the decision to eliminate the youth transit pass.
Horizon Ottawa launched the campaign yesterday in response to announcements that not only would free transit for youth end but that those aged 11 to 19 would now pay the same as an adult fare. This would make Ottawa's youth pay some of the highest fares in the country and diverge from policies of other big Canadian cities where discounts for youth are common.
The City has cited low post-pandemic ridership as justification, but we know that lowering or eliminating fares for youth is an effective way to increase transit use. Cities like Burlington, Victoria and Kingston have all introduced youth discounts in the last two years and have seen youth ridership skyrocket.
"While other Canadian cities invest in building lifelong transit habits, Ottawa is taking a step backward," said Tom Ledlgey, Coordinator for Horizon Ottawa. "Our city's transit future should include youth - not price them out."
If implemented, the policy would be another in a long line of cuts to the system made by Sutcliffe and OC Transpo. The "New Ways to Bus" policy change cut 70 bus routes including many routes that connected suburban Ottawa to the downtown centre.
"People across our city are already extremely cynical towards our system and it's only getting worse as a result of the massive cuts being made," said Ledgley. "The City has set a bold goal in its Official Plan to have 50% of all trips to be made by sustainable modes of transportation by 2046 - this is entirely antithetical to that. To reach this goal, the city must reverse this decision."
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For media Inquiries:
Tom Ledgley
613-663-7018
[email protected]
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