Free Access to Transit Services

Community partners looking to promote awareness and use of public transit through a not-for-profit or school board-related event, initiative, or client support program may be eligible to access GOVA Transit free of charge. The program is intended to encourage individuals to experience and become familiar with public transit as a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation option.

To apply for free public transit, please complete the Free Access to Transit Services Request Form. We recommend a minimum of two weeks to process your application to avoid disappointment. 

To ensure your request aligns with program eligibility, we kindly ask that applicant’s provide additional details on how your event or initiative promotes the use of transit services. Specifically, please clarify how it is connected to a not-for-profit organization or a school board-related activity. Requests will be evaluated based on their alignment with the program's objective of promoting public transit use and supporting future ridership growth.

Approved applicants will receive either a letter authorizing free transit access for an approved group activity or transit ride cards for eligible client transportation needs, depending on the nature of the request.

Program Guidelines for Approved Applicants:

1. Service Type: This program is not Charter Bus services.
2. Service Availability: Free transit access is offered only during off-peak hours on conventional transit routes. Please note that some routes may be unavailable or have limited approval access due to high ridership or capacity constraints related to your group’s travel time and location.
3. Group Size: Each group is limited to a maximum of 10 individuals per trip, subject to bus capacity. Depending on availability, groups may need to be split across multiple buses.
4. Individual Ride Cards: Eligible organizations may request transit ride cards for distribution to clients where transportation is a barrier to accessing community services, programs, employment, education, health care, or other essential destinations. Requests should demonstrate how the use of transit ride cards will promote awareness, familiarity, and ongoing use of public transit as a reliable transportation option. Availability is subject to annual funding and program eligibility requirements.

This program is funded under the Provincial Gas Tax and is an approved program of Greater Sudbury Council.

Limited funding is offered to eligible groups on a first come, first served basis.

Contact us for more information: 311@greatersudbury.ca