Free transit initiative for teens, seniors in Burlington launches today

Teens and seniors using Burlington transit will now have the chance to ride free of charge.

In a new initiative taking effect Tuesday, Burlington transit users between the ages of 13 and 19-year-old can ride for free after 6 p.m. on all weekdays and anytime on weekends.

Seniors will now be able to ride free of charge any day at any time.

The City of Burlington began the initiative to offer free rides for seniors back in 2019 with those aged 65 and older offered use of transit systems free of charge all weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

READ MORE: Burlington transit to be free for seniors and teenagers next month

Catherine Baldelli, director of Burlington Transit, says the City of Burlington has seen an increase in seniors using public transportation since the 2019 initiative.

Senior ridership increased by 41 percent from May 2019 to February 2020 and is currently at 91 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

The only caveat is that riders wishing to use the free service will need PRESTO cards that can be purchased free of charge at the Downtown Burlington Transit terminal located at 430 John St. during the months of July and August and while supplies last.

PRESTO cards can additionally be purchased at any PRESTO service location for $6.

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