‘Licence 2 Ride’ returns offering free rides and rec access to Barrie youth

The Licence to Ride program is back to offer youths free transit rides this summer.

Youths in Barrie will be able to get around the city and stay active for free this summer with the return of the Licence 2 Ride (L2R) program.

Applications are now open for the program that allows those aged 12 to 17 free access to Barrie Transit and select city-run recreational programs from July 1 to Sept. 2. The program is designed to help teens enjoy an active, independent summer while encouraging the use of local transit.

“The Licence 2 Ride program is a wonderful opportunity for Barrie youth to become transit users and have a fun, active summer at the City’s recreation facilities,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “Licence 2 Ride is another way the City supports and celebrates local youth.”

The program saw strong uptake last year, with over 1,300 passes distributed. According to the City, pass holders visited recreation and community centres more than 4,200 times and took nearly 10,000 transit rides during the summer months.

With an L2R pass, teens can access a range of drop-in recreation programs free of charge, including public swims, skating and open gym time. Youth aged 13 and up can also use the fitness centres at the Allandale, East Bayfield and Peggy Hill Team centres. Transit rides are covered on all city bus routes, as well as Transit On Demand and Specialized Transit for those registered.

To participate, teens must complete an application form available online, provide one piece of identification, and submit the form in person to any of the City’s recreation centres for on-the-spot approval.

The application deadline is June 30.