Low Income Transit Passes To Remain In Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta Authorities Takes U-Turn

low income transit passes to remain in calgary and edmonton, alberta authorities takes u-turn

The United Conservative Party (UCP)-led government in Alberta has decided to pull back its decision to discontinue funding for low-income transit passes in Calgary and Edmonton. The move came after it was criticised by the Mayors of the two largest cities in the Canadian province. The program aims to aid people in buying monthly transit passes at cheaper rates.

Within a matter of 24 hours, the decision by the Alberta government after a discussion was withdrawn as it could had jeopardised the the futures of passes, reported CBC Canada. Notably, the city of Calgary had already received $6.2 million for the transit passes programme last year.

Of the entire population in the province, 119,000 persons qualified for the program in the first three months of this year. This represents a 35 per cent increase over the same time the previous year. Concerning the financial drop that may have put the passes’ future in jeopardy in the two largest citie

Empasising the need of showing support to low-income Albertans, Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon’s office stated that Alberta’s government “understands the need to support low-income Albertans.”

“Following conversations with the two largest cities, it is clear that the cities are not able to pay for their full programs at this time. As a result, Alberta’s government will continue to extend this funding to the cities and work with them to ensure their low-income transit program continues to be funded in the future,” Nixon’s statement added.

Breaking away from the last year, the decision is seen as a major change. The UCP asked the government to extend the funds allocated and it further demanded Seniors Low Income Transit Pass to seniors living in multi-generational households.