Saint John Transit requires riders to prove their eligibility in person to access discounted student and senior fares on the SJTRides mobile app. To make this process easier, the city organized temporary validation sessions at local schools and shopping centers.

Image source: City of Saint John

New Validation Dates and Locations

You can verify your eligibility at these upcoming community sessions:

• November 9: NBCC Grandview Avenue, Building A Lobby, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• November 16: City of Saint John Customer Service Centre at City Hall, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• November 17: McAllister Place near Sephora, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• November 18: UNBSJ Library HWK Commons, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• November 21: McAllister Place near Sephora, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

How the Process Works

First, download the free SJTRides app and create an account. Next, visit a validation session and present your valid identification. Saint John Transit does not store your ID information. Once staff verify your status, they unlock the discounted fare options directly on your phone.

Current users purchasing student or senior fares need to validate their eligibility before November 1, 2026, to keep their discounts active on the app.

Student and Senior Requirements

Students must attend designated educational institutions full time and in person. Online courses do not qualify. You must bring a valid student ID to your session and renew this validation every school year.

Seniors aged 65 and older must provide government issued identification showing their date of birth. Seniors only need to complete this validation process once.

Ongoing Validation Options

If you miss the temporary community sessions, you can visit Saint John Transit Headquarters year round. The office is located at 55 McDonald Street and operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Riders who prefer paper passes can continue buying them at vendor locations across the city. You also retain the option to pay exact cash when boarding the bus. For complete details, review the official City of Saint John announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to validate my fare every year?

Students must renew their validation annually at the start of the school year. Seniors complete the process once and never have to renew.

What happens if I miss the November 2026 deadline?

You lose access to discounted fares on the SJTRides app until you verify your eligibility in person.

Does Saint John Transit keep a copy of my ID?

No. Staff check your identification during the session and do not store any personal information.