A successful pilot project designed to make public transit more affordable for low-income residents in Red Deer is now here to stay.
The City of Red Deer has announced that its Transit Fare Assistance Program is now a permanent offering, thanks to approval during the 2025 municipal budget deliberations. Originally launched in late 2023 with funding from the Government of Alberta, the program helps eligible residents purchase a monthly bus pass at a significantly reduced rate—up to 55 per cent off the regular cost.
Since the pilot began, more than 2,200 people have enrolled in the program, with about 75 per cent of them purchasing monthly passes for just $34.
“One of the greatest outcomes we’ve seen from this program is that we have not seen a significant reduction in regular passes being sold, meaning those who could not access our services before now have an opportunity to purchase a monthly pass,” said Jeremy Bouw, Transit & Fleet Manager.
Bouw added that the program aligns with several of Transit’s priorities, including affordability, community access, rider safety, and environmental sustainability.
To continue receiving the discounted pass, participants must now re-apply annually, with the renewal deadline set for May 31, 2025.
However, new applicants can still apply at any time during the year.
To qualify, riders must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- Receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Receiving Alberta Income Supports
- A current tenant of the Red Deer Housing Authority
- Meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
- Approved for the City’s Recreation Fee Assistance Program
The City says the program is helping to ensure that transit remains accessible for all residents, particularly those facing financial hardship.
For more information or to apply, click here.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app.