Halifax parents frustrated by uncertainty over student bus pass program rollout for new school year

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNewsNova ScotiaHalifax Halifax parents frustrated by uncertainty over student bus pass program rollout for new school year 'One way or another, let us know,' says single father of three children Author of the article: By Josh Healey Published Aug 27, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 3 minute read Quinn Audette poses for a photo on his Halifax street on Tuesday, Aug. 25, near the bus stop that his kids use to go to school. Audette is one of several concerned parents awaiting updates on the student bus pass program. PHOTO BY RYAN TAPLIN /The Chronicle Herald Article content Although there have been hints about the return of the student bus pass program, with Bedford Basin MLA Tim Outhit saying last month the province and city had struck a deal, parents throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality are getting tired of waiting for news with school just around the corner.  Article content Quinn Audette, a single father of three, told The Chronicle Herald the bus passes gave his kids a sense of independence.  Article content Article content Article content However, with the current passes expiring in September, he wants answers.  Article content “Waiting is an issue for something that may or may not happen,” he said, adding that he’s become frustrated by the lack of communication from the municipality and the province, which previously shared costs for the program.  Article content Audette said he’s hopeful for good news but said Outhit’s comments, which were not confirmed by the province or city despite multiple attempts from The Chronicle Herald to do so, aren’t enough to plan around.  Article content “One way or another, let us know. If it’s not an issue, if it’s off the table, that’s far easier knowing that than guessing or wondering what’s going to happen,” he said.  Article content “Not only are the parents in limbo, it’s the children, as well.”  Article content The future of the bus pass program, which allowed all students attending the Halifax Regional Education Centre and CSAP schools in grades 7 to 12 to use Halifax Transit for free, was thrown into doubt in February when the province removed its $1.2 million in funding.  Article content Article content Parents feeling frustrated by lack of communication  Article content Audette isn’t the only parent feeling the time crunch; the Rofes, who marched during…