Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians,
We are excited to share that the Manitoba government is introducing free transit for children 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 rollout beginning the first weeks 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.
Before a transit pass can be issued, parents, caregivers, or guardians must provide consent for their child to receive a pass. Consent can be provided by completing the online consent form found at the link below:
Click Here to Provide Guardian Consent Form for a Free Youth Transit Bus Pass
Families who are unable to access the online form may provide consent by contacting their child's school directly. Transit passes will only be issued to students whose parent, caregiver, or guardian has provided consent through the online form or directly through the school. We encourage families to provide consent as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving a pass. Please note, a separate consent form must be completed for each child.
As directed by the City of Winnipeg, passes will be distributed to students in Grades 6 to 12 according to the following schedule:
- September 8th – 18th, 2026: Grades 11 and 12
- September 21st – 25th, 2026: Grades 9 and 10
- September 28th – Oct. 2nd, 2026: Grades 6 (age 12 or older as of Oct. 2nd, 2026), 7, and 8
If a pass is required by a student before their grade's scheduled distribution date, please contact your school's administration so that arrangements can be made.
We ask that parents, caregivers, and guardians emphasize to students the importance of keeping their pass safe and ensuring that it is not lost, damaged, or shared with others.
Passes are valid for one 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 identification card with them when using their transit pass.
As per current Winnipeg Transit policy, children aged 11 and under may ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying customer.
For information about transit schedules, routes, and using Winnipeg Transit, students, families, and caregivers are encouraged to visit the following link: Winnipeg Transit Youth Ride Free.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding youth transit passes, please contact your child’s school principal, Mr. G. Valentim, College Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, 204-888-0684, george.valentim@sjasd.ca
Free Youth Transit Pass Info & Guardian Consent.pdf
Sincerely,
Jenness Moffatt (she/her)
Superintendent/CEO
St. James-Assiniboia School Division
