TRANSIT COSTS REDUCED FOR LOW-INCOME REGINA RESIDENTS

The Government of Saskatchewan is working with the City of Regina to provide reduced bus rates for low-income Regina residents.

Up to 17,000 low-income residents may be eligible to purchase monthly bus passes at a reduced cost through a 12 month pilot project approved by Regina City Council. At a meeting held on September 22nd, City Council approved a motion to reduce monthly bus pass prices for eligible residents from $52.50 to $15 effective November 1st, for a period of one year. The province will provide the City of Regina with up to $100,000 to offset potential revenue losses the city may incur.

"This pilot project is about making it easier for Regina low-income residents to use public transit as they go to work, take training, seek employment opportunities or use services in Regina," Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment Minister Glenn Hagel said. "We'll use the results to see how we can help reduce barriers to employment that transportation costs may create."

"The City of Regina is pleased to partner with the Department of Community Resources and Employment to offer unique, affordable public transportation for eligible participants in the pilot project," Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "By purchasing a $15 monthly pass, people can now can go to work, school, medical appointments, stores and elsewhere in our community. If successful, the city will consider implementing this as a permanent program to ensure Regina residents have access to affordable transportation anywhere in the city, no matter what their circumstances."

The City of Regina will administer the reduced transit pass project to people participating in four provincial government programs: Social Assistance, Transition Employment Allowance, Saskatchewan Employment Supplement and the Provincial Training Allowance Program. Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment provides these programs to assist low-income adults enrolled in basic education or bridging programs; people looking for work; and families and individuals who, for various reasons, including disability, illness, low income or unemployment, cannot meet basic living costs.

Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment will distribute information and an application form in October to eligible people who will then take the completed form to the Transit Information Centre, located at 2124 – 11th Avenue, and be registered in the project to purchase the $15 bus pass. People with questions about this City of Regina Transit Service can call 777-7726 for more information. The province and city will review results upon completion of the pilot project.

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For More Information, Contact:

Steven Bobiash Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-8689

Kathy Ward Public Affairs, City of Regina Regina Phone: (306)777-7498