Province puts $13.5M towards Calgary's Low Income Transit Pass

The provincial government made a big investment Friday to make life easier for low-income Calgarians who use transit.

Calgary's Low Income Transit Pass is part of Calgary's Fair Entry program, which subsidizes five programs and services available to people that qualify based on their income.

Every month,25,000 Calgarianstake advantage of the Low Income Transit Pass.

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Tammy Poirier says she's accessed the city's low-income transit subsidy ever since it started.

"Without the pass I'd be stuck at home not doing anything," said Poirier. "I use subsidized passes everyday to go to the doctor and to go to work. I work, I go out in the community with my day support and I go to the movies and football games."

Today's announcement was made by Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir. Hesays the money will be invested over the next three years.

"We are proud to support this important initiative. This program is a new investment and part of our government's ongoing efforts to address poverty in Alberta."

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Right now, subsidized transit users pay 44 dollars for a monthly pass.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi says he wants to eventually turn that into a sliding scale where those with higher needs pay less.

"Access to public transit is vital for low-income Calgarians so they can get to school, work, and around the community. This investment will help many Calgarians," said Nenshi.