**** HRM Media Release
Children aged 12 and under to ride free on Halifax Transit
Based on the Transportation Standing Committee’s recommendations, Regional Council has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to adopt By-law U-107, an amendment of By-law U-100, the User Charges By-law. This amendment will permanently eliminate transit fares for children 12 years of age and under.
Regional Council has also directed staff to prepare a report considering the potential for discounting bulk purchases of single transit fares for both non-profit agencies, and promotional events.
In June 2019, Halifax Transit recommended a number of fare structure changes. This included a recommendation for a six-month pilot program to allow children between the ages of four and 13 to travel on all Halifax Transit services free of charge. Previously, only children aged four and under were provided free travel. Following approval of the By-law U-105 on Sept. 17, 2019, this pilot launched on Sept. 30, 2019, and was intended to be concluded on March 30, 2020, however, Halifax Transit has continued to allow free travel for children, pending a final decision on the results of the pilot.
In January 2020, engagement regarding the pilot was undertaken via the Talk Transit online engagement platform. A total of 355 residents responded to the survey. Additionally, a survey was undertaken with Halifax Transit Operators to gain their perspective. The highlights of both the surveys are found in Attachment C of this report.
Read the staff report for more information.
“Yesterday, Regional Council voted unanimously to permanently eliminate fares on Halifax Transit buses and ferries for children aged 0-12.
This change comes after a successful pilot and based on feedback from the public. Council adopted By-law U-107, an amendment of By-law U-100, the User Charges By-law.”
