North Bay offers free bus rides for youth this summer

North Bay launches free summer bus rides for youth 12-17. The ‘Bay Go’ pilot project starts Monday and aims to boost student mobility and community connection.

This summer, the City of North Bay is launching a pilot project offering youth free bus rides to get them out and about in the community.

It’s called ‘BayGo’ and it’s all about helping young people get to their summer jobs, hook up with friends or visit recreation areas across the city.

Brianna Fox was the first teenager to get a Bay Go bus pass. Fox proudly held it up for all to see.

“I’m probably going to see some of my friends and probably get to work with it,” she said.

Her mom, Allyn Fox, said it’s hard to keep up with her daughter’s busy teenage life.

“I can’t take her all the time where she wants to go,” she said.

Youth between the ages of 12-17 can pick up a BayGo card by visiting the North Bay Transit office for free bus rides.

“I think this is a good incentive program. This is awesome,” said Alex Trottier, as her stepdaughter, Alexa, was picking up her pass.

Brent Kalinowski, North Bay’s community safety and well-being coordinator, said the project has been on the radar for a few years.

Kalinowski said it really started to take shape after local school boards found many students were having trouble getting transportation to and from school.

“So that was a very quick conversation with them and a quick conversation with transit here to be able to make that happen, providing 10-pack passes and bus passes for students,” he said.

From there, the idea of free summer rides was born.

Following a similar initiative in Kingston, Ont., the program is delivered in partnership with Canadore College and Planet Youth Nipissing.

“There was some excellent feedback from youth and from their caregivers that was showing that the access to all of the things that they wanted to be getting to in the city was improved,” said Alyssa Bedard, Planet Youth Nipissing’s community development coordinator.

Runs June until September

When they arrive at the transit office and ask to register, young riders will be asked to show ID confirming their age. They will then have their photo taken at the terminal.

“When transportation isn’t a barrier, youth can meet up with friends, take part in programs, get to work and build confidence using transit as part of everyday life in North Bay,” said Mayor Peter Chirico.

“The program also provides an opportunity for youth to learn and become more comfortable using the transit system independently.”

The pass can be used June 1 until Sept. 7.

“We actually come to the downtown a lot. We go to the splash pad with my other kids,” Trottier added.

“It’s actually going to be good for her because (Alexa) can go see her girlfriend at the other end of town.”

The city said youth registering for BayGo will be invited to voluntarily provide an email address, and parents or guardians may also choose to participate by providing contact information for a follow-up survey at the end of the summer.

The feedback will help the city better understand how youth are using transit and inform future planning for youth mobility and services.

“I was very excited,” added Brianna Fox.