London School Board Investigating Free Transit for High Schoolers
Exciting news is coming out of London, Ontario! The region's largest school board, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), is in the process of investigating the possibility of offering a free high school student bus pass program with the London Transit Commission (LTC) by Fall 2024 for those residing within London, St. Thomas, and Woodstock.
This discussion began in February 2023 following reports of school bus driver shortages in the region. The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) unanimously agreed to a proposal in February to combat the driver shortage and declining transit ridership.
In an interview with CBC News, TVDSB Chair Lori-Ann Pizzolato noted how she was impressed by the Kingston Model for Youth Transit that I helped create with the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) back in 2012, especially in regard to its creation of equity.
Pizzolato emphasized that the ridership program would enable high school students to "develop independence and confidence, ultimately enhancing their quality of life." She then went on to discuss a partnership that could aid students in not only commuting to school but also travelling to volunteer opportunities, co-op placements, student jobs, extra-curriculars and more.
On Monday, November 6th, I was a featured guest on the radio show London Morning with Andrew Brown to share the impact of the Get on the Bus movement across Canada during the discussions happening in London. This conversation included me discussing the impact that youth transit programming has had in Kingston over the past decade, including a 140% increase in monthly transit pass purchases after graduation. You can listen to our short discussion here.
Councillor Peter Cuddy is collaborating with Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, Pizzolato, and other members of a working group to explore ways to decrease the number of school buses on the road to alleviate the daily traffic congestion during morning and afternoon commutes.
The TVDSB Planning and Priorities Advisory Committee is scheduled to convene in February 2024 to examine a feasibility report. The primary factor influencing the decision to implement this program is its associated cost implications.
I’m happy to see London joining the growing list of communities across Canada investigating youth transit solutions: Halifax, Orangeville, Belleville, Victoria, Toronto, Grand Prairie and more. Youth transit is all about opening up and giving value to our communities and youth. It can transform students’ and their families' lives by providing access to what previously may have been inaccessible opportunities.