Almost 500 individuals are approved for a Transit Fare Assistance Pass in the first month of the pilot program. The pass, available since November 1, reduces the cost of a monthly pass by up to 55 per cent.
“We’re happy to see so many people applying for this program and purchasing passes for Transit services,” said Jeremy Bouw, Transit & Fleet Manager. “This program is intended to support our riders to move through our community with a little less stress on their finances.”
To qualify for the reduced monthly pass, riders must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Receiving
- Assured Income for Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Alberta Income Supports
- Current tenants within the Red Deer Housing Authority Program
- Qualify under the Low Income Cut Off
- Approved for The City of Red Deer’s Recreation Fee Assistance Program.
“Our team is receiving applications daily, and while we initially anticipated processing time being up to 10 business days, staff have been able to process online applications and contact applicants within 72 hours in most cases,” said Bouw. “We’re pleased to have an application process that gets people approved and on our buses quickly, allowing safe and affordable movement throughout the city.”
In the coming months, it will be determined whether those who have qualified for and purchased a Fare Assistance Pass held a Transit pass previously, or if they are new riders. Once the pilot program is complete, it will be fully reviewed to determine if there is an opportunity to implement a version of the program ongoing.
The program is funded through the Government of Alberta’s low-income transit grant and is anticipated to continue until at least the end of March.
For more information on the program, visit www.reddeer.ca/transit.