Licence 2 Ride gives Barrie youth a summer of free access to transit and recreation

(Barrie, ON) – Applications are now open for the City’s Licence 2 Ride program, which offers Barrie youth aged 12 to 17 free rides on Barrie Transit and access to free recreational opportunities, from July 1 to September 7, 2026. 

“The Licence 2 Ride program gives Barrie youth a great chance to explore the city, build lifelong transit habits, and enjoy an active summer at our recreation facilities,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “This program is one of the many ways the City continues to support, engage, and celebrate our young people.”

More than 1,700 Barrie youth received a Licence 2 Ride pass in 2025, using it for 5,362 recreation visits and 12,963 transit rides throughout the summer.

Youth who get a Licence 2 Ride pass can enjoy free activities throughout the summer, including: 

  • Select drop-in recreation programs, including open gym, public skating, and swimming
    • Access to workout at the fitness centres at Allandale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield Community Centre, and Peggy Hill Team Community Centre (for those thirteen years and older)
      • Free rides on Barrie Transit 

Apply today! Applications can be submitted in the following ways:

  • Download and print the Licence 2 Ride application form, complete it, and bring it to Allandale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield Community Centre, or Peggy Hill Team Community Centre. Hard copy forms are also available at all three locations.
  • Parents/guardians can apply online for their youth participant by visiting play.barrie.ca and following the steps.

Note: Youth must visit a community centre in person to show proof of age and have their photo taken before receiving their Licence 2 Ride pass.

Find out more about Licence 2 Ride at barrie.ca/Licence2Ride.

Image
Two scenes: one shows a trainer with a young person at the gym, the other displays two youth using a mobile device on a bus.