NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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Applications are now open for the city’s Licence 2 Ride program, which offers Barrie youth aged 12 to 16 free rides on Barrie Transit and access to free recreational opportunities at the city’s recreation/community centres from July 1 to Sept. 2, 2024.
“As we celebrate National Youth Week from May 1 – 7, the Licence 2 Ride program is another way the city supports local youth. The program invites youth to become more active and invested in their community through the use of city services like transit and recreation,” said Brent Forsyth, director of transit and parking strategy.
Nearly 1,400 youth participated in the program in 2023. Almost 600 pass holders visited a city recreation/community centre 4,175 times last summer, while over 7,100 transit rides were taken by pass holders.
Voluntary “Rider’s Ed” orientation sessions will be offered to participants at the start of the program to educate them on how to use Barrie Transit, and the city’s fitness centres.
“The program inspires a healthy lifestyle while creating future transit riders through education and familiarity of the system. Having access to recreation facilities and programming helps youth enjoy a fun, active summer,” said Dan Bell, director of recreation and culture services.
Youth who have a licence can enjoy free activities throughout the summer, including:
• Select drop-in recreation programs, including open gym, public skating and swimming
• Access to the fitness centres at Allandale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield and Peggy Hill Team Community Centres (for those 13 years and older)
• Free rides on all Barrie Transit routes
Interested youth can submit a completed application form (which includes a parent/guardian signature), along with one piece of identification in person at the Allandale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield or Peggy Hill Team Community Centres.
Application forms and more information on the program are available online.
To learn more about Barrie’s transit services, visit barrie.ca/transit. To learn more about recreation opportunities in the city, visit the website.
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