The province said Thursday it would invest millions towards helping low-income families access transit.
Qualifying passengers will be able to purchase a Low Income Transit Pass—a monthly transit pass that cuts 60% off of the regular fare. The City of Edmonton says it estimates about 20,000 people will be eligible for the pass each month. Eligibility is based off of the Low-Income Cut-Off.
The government will invest $6.2 million dollars towards the pass over the next three years, in partnership with the City, who will cover the rest of the $12.4 million price tag. The two developed the program to make public transit more accessible to those in need. It’s a move the parties hope will reduce and prevent poverty.
Mayor Don Iveson said Thursday, in a statement, the pass will help “more Edmontonians to reach their workplace, meet their health needs and take part in the community.”
The province will give $213,000 in 2016, $2 million in 2017 and $4 million in 2018.
The program will be available starting in September 2017.
