Burlington transit to be free for seniors and teenagers next month

Seniors and young people aged 13 to 19 in Burlington will be able to take public transportation for free starting Aug. 1.

Teenagers can ride transit for free on weekdays after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends, while seniors can ride for free everyday at any time.

The City of Burlington began an initiative to offer free rides for seniors back in 2019. This allowed people aged 65 and older to ride Burlington transit for free on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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Catherine Baldelli, director of Burlington Transit, says the City of Burlington has seen an increase in seniors using public transportation since the 2019 initiative.

Senior ridership increased by 41 per cent from May 2019 to February 2020 and is currently at 91 per cent of prepandemic levels.

Youth and seniors without PRESTO cards will be able to purchase them for free during July and August. They are available at the Downtown Burlington Transit Bus Terminal on 430 John St. while supplies last.