PSAC NCR, along with Horizon Ottawa, is concerned by the City of Ottawa’s decision to cancel the discounted monthly pass for 13–19 year olds and eliminate free transit for 11-12 year olds.
Affordability is a major concern for our members. Asking young people and their families to pay 30% more each year for public transportation (an extra $372 per person annually) is extremely out of touch with life for families in our region. This decision will make Ottawa’s youth transit fares the most expensive in Canada.
City officials claim low ridership as the reason for this change. But lowering or eliminating fares for youth does not increase transit use. In fact, cities like Burlington and Kingston saw massive ridership increases when they put in place their own youth transit fares.
Public transit is critical for healthy cities, and building lifelong transit habits can help ensure the sustainability of OC Transpo for future generations. Forcing teens to use alternate forms of commuting like rideshare services and personal vehicles will only harm Ottawa now and into the future.
If Ottawa is serious about affordability, access, and climate action, it must prioritize building a new generation of public transit users. That starts with keeping transit accessible to young people.
PSAC NCR calls on the City of Ottawa to reverse their decision and reinstate both the Monthly Youth pass and free transit for 11-12 year olds.
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