Halifax’s free student bus pass program to return despite March budget cut
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HALIFAX – Eligible students at five Halifax schools will continue to receive free city bus passes this year despite uncertainty over the provincial government’s support for the program.
Education Minister Brendan Maguire said Thursday that his department will spend $500,000 to buy bus passes from the city for students that need them.
He said the Department of Opportunities and Social Development will spend another $600,000 to provide passes to youth in families on income assistance, for a total funding of $1.1 million.
The government previously announced it would be reducing the program’s funding in its March budget, but said it planned to maintain support for families on income assistance.
Maguire says the provincial funding will cover about 1,700 students for students in Grade 7 to Grade 12.
The city says it will fund passes for all other students, including those attending private school.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2026.