Region to launch pilot offering free transit for seniors
Posted Dec 18, 2025 06:48:11 AM.
Last Updated Dec 18, 2025 10:31:47 AM.
Taking the bus or ION could be a bit easier for older adults next year.
Region of Waterloo councillors have pushed forward a pilot program that would offer free transit for riders ages 65 and older, one day a week.
The six-month pilot would start July 2026.
Councillor Pam Wolf brought forward the motion during budget talks this week, saying it’s about affordability and helping the region’s senior population.
“Imagine being 65 or 75 years old, living on a fixed income and needing to get to a medical appointment or pick up groceries,” said Wolf.
“Our seniors built this region. They volunteered, raised families and paid taxes for decades. Now some face isolation because even a small fee feels like a barrier. A free transit day opens doors to medical care, social visits, volunteering and community engagement.”
Acting Commissioner of Transportation Doug Spooner warned of revenue loss with the program, estimating the region could lose as much as $250,000 based on the number of seniors who already take transit.
A handful of councillors, including Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, stressed the program in other municipalities has led to people taking the bus more frequently.
“The pilot actually led to people using transit on the non-free days as well because they got used to it, and that ultimately could lead to increased revenues going forward.”
Those municipalities already using the program include Mississauga and Hamilton.
When it comes to how the pilot program will work here in Waterloo Region, the full logistics are set to be discussed in the coming months.
Spooner said measuring the success of the program will rely heavily on the use of Grand River Transit’s mobile pay app, needed to track who is riding the bus, and when.
