In July and August, Ottawa youth ages 11-18 will be able to ride OC Transpo free of charge.
This new program was approved by City Council back in December during our annual budget process but I feel like it’s still under the radar for many families in the community. You’ll see more advertising and promotion over the next couple of weeks.
I’m hoping it will encourage young people to try out transit, gain some independence, and reduce the number of times they’re asking parents to drive them somewhere, or take an Uber.
The program runs from July 1 until August 31, and applies to all OC Transpo buses, trains and Para Transpo.
To qualify, youth will have to:
Purchase a Presto card if they don’t already have one. Presto cards cost $4.00 and you can buy one at participating Shoppers, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstores. Find a location here
Set a “Pre-Teen” or “Youth” pass on the card. (The pass you need depends on your age.) You can do this at participating Shoppers, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations. Find a location here
Tap the card on the fare gate (trains) or fare reader (buses) to board for free.
After the summer: As of September 1, pre-teens and youth can ride free on weekday evenings (after 5 pm), plus weekends and holidays for the rest of the year with a Presto card. Outside of these times, regular fares apply.
Kids 10 and under ride for free all year round
If you’re taking a bus, Para Transpo, or Para Transpo Rural, kids 10 and under can board without paying a fare. If you’re taking the O-Train, they can either:
Enter at the accessible (wide) fare gate with a fare-paying adult.
If you’re riding alone, tap through the fare gate with a special Child card.
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