We are pleased to share that the Manitoba government is introducing free transit for children and youth across Manitoba and is partnering with the City of Winnipeg to provide free transit services for youth in Winnipeg.
Through a phased rollout beginning this month, eligible students will be able to access a free Winnipeg Transit pass through their school.
Transit passes will be distributed to students through their school in Grades 6 to 12. Please note that Grade 6 students must be 12 years of age to qualify. Distribution will occur in the following stages outlined below.
- September 8, 2026: Grades 11 and 12
- September 23, 2026: Grades 9 and 10
- September 29, 2026: Grades 6, 7, and 8
As part of our commitment to student safety and maintaining clear communication with families, we want to ensure that parents, caregivers, and guardians are aware when students access a transit pass.
Prior to receiving a pass, parent/guardian/caregiver consent is required. For eligible students, a consent form is available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal in the LRSD Forms tab. The consent form will be available in the Portal beginning one month prior to a student’s 12th birthday. Information on how to create a Parent Portal account is available on the LRSD website, as is information on how to access Forms in the Portal. If you have any questions about the process or wish to provide verbal consent, please contact your child's school directly.
If a student requires a pass before their grade's scheduled distribution date, we encourage you to talk to your school administration so that a pass can be made available to them.
We ask parents, caregivers, and guardians to speak with their students about the importance of keeping their transit pass safe and in good condition. Passes are issued for the individual student's use only and are not transferable.
Passes are valid for a full year and will expire on August 31, 2027. Students in Grades 10 to 12 are encouraged to carry their school-issued student identification along with their transit pass, as Winnipeg Transit may request it.
As per current Winnipeg Transit policy, children aged 11 and under are able to ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying customer.
For information about routes, schedules, and how to use Winnipeg Transit, please visit Winnipeg.ca/youthridefree.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding transit passes, please contact your school office.