The provincial government says Saskatchewan residents who receive income assistance will be able to continue buying bus passes at a more affordable price.
The province will contribute up to $1.84 million this fiscal year to continue supporting the Discounted Bus Pass (DBP) program. The program allows people with low incomes to buy bus passes at a discounted rate.
The program, reduces the monthly pass by $25. Some cities also offer further discounts to those with low incomes. Clients may purchase their discounted bus pass by visiting the transit authority office in their city or through other purchase options arranged by their city.
To be eligible for the program, riders need to be clients of one of: Saskatchewan Income Support, Assured Income for Disability, Assistance Program, Transitional Employment Allowance, Employment Supplement, or the Provincial Training Allowance programs.
Seven cities participate in the DBP program and receive funding from the province to cover the discount for each eligible pass sold. The funding amount is based on ridership. The province provides up to the following amounts in each city:
• Saskatoon – $888,000;
• Regina – $730,000;
• Prince Albert – $119,000;
• Moose Jaw – $61,000;
• North Battleford – $12,000;
• Swift Current – $12,000; and
• Yorkton – $18,000.
