Alberta’s economy has recovered strongly, but some Albertans are still struggling to heat their homes and feed their families.
To help make life more affordable, Alberta’s government is investing up to $15 million to support low-income transit programs throughout the province. Recent data shows that low-income transit pass programs in Edmonton and Calgary gave almost 390,000 Albertans mobility last year.
“Supporting Albertans through today’s inflationary crisis is our government’s primary focus. We recognize the importance of transit, especially for those who rely on it to meet their essential needs. Transportation to a job, to school or a doctor’s appointment is not optional, which is why our government is proud to support low-income transit pass programs.”
This year, Calgary and Edmonton each received $4.5 million to provide their low-income transit pass programs through 2022-23. An additional $6 million in funding will be used to support low-income transit pass programs for municipalities across the province, which will be available to pay for some operating costs.
“This investment will help make public transit more accessible and affordable for those who rely on it for work and their everyday transportation needs. It is another important piece of our Affordability Action Plan to help families, seniors and vulnerable Albertans save money for what matters most.”
“Roam Transit and its regional connectivity are a pride of our Bow Valley. In towns where our living wage is more than $30 per hour, affordability is a very real challenge that affects our community, local economy and labour force. Anything we can do as a government to support individuals struggling to pay their monthly bills, keep food on the tables, or get to and from work, is important. I am proud to support the expansion of the government’s low-income transit pass program into rural Alberta, especially here in the Bow Valley.”
“It's wonderful to see the Government of Alberta become a partner to help fund our program to deliver free transit service, which is crucial for people living with low incomes. Transportation is one of the highest monthly costs that we’ve been able to help reduce over the past 15 years. This provincial program will make public transit even more affordable, breaking down barriers for people in large and small communities alike. This program aligns with our priority to make Banff a more affordable place to live.”
“While we are all struggling with increasing costs of living, public transit is an essential element in addressing affordability issues. In Canmore, we have seen the benefits of providing subsidized transit access, where our ridership continues to grow thanks to free local transit. I look forward to seeing this initiative roll out in support of regional connectivity in the Bow Valley and across the province.”
“Roam Transit operates convenient and frequent transit service throughout the Bow Valley, connecting the communities of Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. Affordability initiatives such as the low-income transit pass programs operated by our member municipalities are critical in ensuring that residents are able to access services and move around easily without needing to own or use a private vehicle.”
Details on how communities can access this funding will be shared directly with eligible municipalities.
Alberta’s government is delivering immediate cost-of-living and inflation relief while working to support long-term affordability through the Affordability Action Plan.
Quick facts
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Communities with low-income transit pass programs are: Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, Cold Lake, Fort Saskatchewan, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, St. Albert and Strathcona County.
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Communities with public transit but no low-income transit pass program are: Beaumont, Camrose, Diamond Valley, Hinton, Leduc, Lethbridge, Okotoks, Red Deer, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Whitecourt and Wood Buffalo.