Transit Highlights: Busway Progress, Accessible Service and Student Transit Access (Week of August 17–21)

This week’s Transit Highlights showcase service improvements designed to make public transit faster, more accessible and easier to use across Canada. From an ahead-of-schedule busway opening in Toronto and expanded weekend hours for Para Transpo in Ottawa to fare modernization in Windsor and fare-free student transit in Manitoba, agencies and governments are working to improve the rider experience and reduce barriers to transit.

TTC’s Scarborough Busway to open ahead of schedule

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is preparing to open the four-kilometre Scarborough Busway on September 30, more than six months ahead of its originally projected opening date. The busway will use part of the former Line 3 corridor between Kennedy and Ellesmere stations, with priority infrastructure continuing toward Scarborough Centre. Multiple TTC routes will use the new connection, which is expected to reduce travel times and provide more reliable service while the Scarborough Subway Extension is under construction.

Para Transpo to pilot extended late-night weekend service

Para Transpo will extend its weekend service until 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays as part of a one-year pilot beginning in September. The accessible transit service normally operates until around midnight, and the additional hours are intended to give riders with disabilities more opportunities to attend evening events and participate in activities later at night. The pilot responds to requests from Para Transpo users for service hours that more closely reflect the travel options available to other transit riders.

Transit Windsor prepares to launch new fare payment system

Transit Windsor is preparing to launch its new Umo fare payment system in October, giving riders the option to pay through a mobile app or reloadable card. The system will allow customers to purchase and reload fares remotely rather than visiting a transit terminal or retailer. Debit and credit tap payments are not available at launch but are planned for a future phase, while cash will remain an option for riders.

Manitoba expands fare-free transit access for students and youth

Fare-free transit programs for students are rolling out in Winnipeg and Brandon as part of Manitoba’s broader initiative to reduce transportation barriers for young people. Winnipeg Transit will provide free passes to eligible students during the 2026–27 school year, while Brandon Transit will begin offering free rides to youth in September. The programs build on similar service already introduced in Selkirk and are intended to improve access to school, activities and other daily destinations while encouraging younger residents to become regular transit users.

Together, these initiatives highlight the different ways transit systems across Canada are improving access and responding to rider needs. Whether through faster connections, extended accessible service, modernized fare payment or reduced cost barriers for young people, this week’s developments reflect continued efforts to make public transit more convenient and accessible for communities across the country.