DISCOUNTED BUS PASSES MAKE TRANSIT MORE AFFORDABLE

Low-income Regina residents will be able to keep riding the bus in Regina for discounted rates, thanks to the extension of a popular program.

The City of Regina and Government of Saskatchewan have agreed to continue their partnership to offer discounted bus passes to low-income residents on an ongoing basis. The program, which began in 2003, enables eligible low-income residents to purchase monthly bus passes for $15 instead of the standard rate of $54. During the first year, the City issued 21,455 discounted monthly passes. That number increased 14 per cent to 24,440 in the second year of the program.

"The City of Regina continues to work hard to maintain a healthy balance of city services and social development opportunities," Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "Programs like the Discounted Bus Pass for Low Income Residents clearly show what can happen when the different orders of government work together for a common goal."

"Transportation plays a key role in building an independent life, and participating fully in the community," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "We are pleased to be able to help make it more affordable to people in Regina, and enable them to use our public transit system to help find and keep jobs, and take advantage of education and training opportunities, and simply get to places they need to be."

Those eligible include people receiving the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan, the Transitional Employment Allowance, Saskatchewan Employment Allowance and the Provincial Training Allowance. The Government of Saskatchewan contributed nearly $269,000 to support the program last year.

In addition the Minister announced that the program will be expanded to include other communities within the province. The department is currently contacting municipal officials in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Saskatoon and Prince Albert to invite them to participate.

Applications forms for the discounted passes are available at the Regina Transit Information Centre at 2124-11th Avenue. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility, such as a statement of benefit. More information is available by calling (306) 777-7726.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debbie Clark Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-8689