Empowering Kingston, Ontario’s high school students with the freedom to get to school, jobs, and social activities, while helping the community cut traffic and carbon emissions.
The Ontario Association of School Business Officials (OASBO)and Limestone District School Board (LDSB) sought to determine if providing free bus passes to all high school students was a worthwhile investment. Many families struggled with transportation costs or had limited options, which affected students’ ability to attend school consistently, participate in after-school programs, or explore work opportunities. Limestone Analytics was engaged to analyze data from Kingston’s High School Transit Pass Program to assess its impacts. We found that the program helped students gain independence, reduced missed school days, and enabled them to participate in more social and cultural activities. Meanwhile, families saved time and money, and fewer car trips cut congestion and emissions across the city.
This analysis showed that for every dollar spent on the program, society gained over three dollars in benefits—proof that the initiative not only got students to school but also unlocked broader educational, social, and environmental gains. These findings supported Kingston City Council’s decision to make the program permanent, and they can guide other communities across Canada considering similar efforts.
Download the report here.
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