City staff, in collaboration with the London Transit Commission (LTC) and the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), are developing a pilot project to provide free bus passes to Grade 9 students. A motion directed by Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis and Ward 3 Coun. Peter Cuddy was presented at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) meeting, aiming to implement the two-year pilot project. The program would start by offering free transit passes to Grade 9 students at Clarke Road Secondary School, with plans to extend it to Grade 10 students the following year. The initiative is not intended to replace the existing school bus service, as some students may not have access to transit routes.
During a presentation by Lori-Ann Pizzolato, London trustee on the TVDSB board, and superintendent Cathy Lynd, the benefits of the program were discussed. Pizzolato highlighted how the project would facilitate participation in extracurricular activities, provide employment opportunities by making transportation more accessible, and ensure students can get to school successfully. Clarke Road was chosen for the pilot project due to existing transit routes servicing the Argyle area, with the LTC identifying routes with available capacity in the mornings and afternoons.
The motion received a 13-2 vote in favor by the committee, with Ward 4 Coun. Susan Stevenson and Ward 5 Coun. Jerry Pribil opposing. Deputy Mayor Lewis emphasized that the project goes beyond just transportation to and from school, benefiting climate initiatives, student achievement, attendance, quality of life, and community participation. While the majority of councillors supported the initiative, concerns were raised about costs, the inclusion of other schools, and the necessity of a pilot project. Stevenson questioned the need for a pilot, suggesting that the project is likely to be well-received without extensive analysis and difficult-to-quantify metrics.
Despite some reservations, details of the agreement are still being finalized between city hall, the TVDSB, and LTC. The terms of the agreement would require council approval at a later date. While a motion was put forward by Stevenson to refer the issue to the next SPPC meeting to allow a delegation from the LTC, it was ultimately defeated. The focus now is on ironing out the specifics of the pilot project and ensuring that it will effectively benefit Grade 9 and Grade 10 students in accessing transportation for school, extracurricular activities, employment opportunities, and overall community participation.
