City won't follow Moncton's plans for free transit for under-12s

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Moncton is rolling out a free transit program for children under 12, but don’t expect to see it mirrored in Fredericton, as the capital sets its focus on a spring Sunday transit launch.

City spokesperson Shasta Stairs said free transit service is already offered to children aged six and under, and that won’t be expanded as preparations are underway for Sunday service.

“There are no plans to change this policy in the immediate future,” Stairs said in an emailed statement.

“Existing student passes and special offers for university students will remain in place – and include access to – Sunday service when that program is in place later this year.”

The City of Fredericton has announced Sunday service will begin in the spring, with buses running between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Fares were also increased this year to account for the extra day, with the seniors’ annual pass going from $50 to $60 and the adult monthly pass jumping from $80 to $85.

Codiac Transpo, which operates the bus service in Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview, is now offering free bus passes for children under 12. Dieppe already has a free youth pass, with applications available through the city’s website, but Moncton and Riverview residents can apply for a pass by completing a form on Codiac Transpo’s website.

The idea of free bus service was discussed at Moncton-area municipal councils last year as a way to make public transit more affordable for families who the service regularly.

Many Canadian municipalities have adopted similar services, but like Fredericton, not all have expanded the service to older children.

In Saint John, a child cash fare allowing a family’s first three children under five to ride the bus for free is available. The fare for each additional child is $2 each.

Children under five can also ride the bus free of charge in Miramichi.