DISCOUNTED BUS PASSES WILL MAKE TRANSIT MORE AFFORDABLE IN SASKATOON

Beginning this fall, the City of Saskatoon will offer reduced bus fares to low-income residents, thanks to a partnership with the Province.

Approximately 22,000 low-income residents will be eligible to purchase monthly bus passes at a reduced cost of $15, beginning October 1st. Adult transit passes in Saskatoon normally cost $61. City Council agreed to reduce the rates for a trial period of one year. The province will contribute a minimum of $275,000, based on the number of passes sold during the one-year period.

"By making public transportation in Saskatoon more affordable, we are making it easier for low-income people to go to work, to look for jobs, to take education or training, and to participate in their community," Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger said. "We are pleased that the City of Saskatoon has decided to team up with us and make this valuable program available to its residents."

"The City of Saskatoon is committed to developing our community in ways that will ensure a high quality of life for all of our citizens," Mayor Donald Atchison said. "The Discounted Monthly Bus Pass program is a shining example of this.  The unique inclusion of a City LeisureCard will help make recreation accessible to low-income individuals.  This is another program to help make Saskatoon Shine."

The City of Saskatoon will administer the reduced transit pass project to eligible residents, who include people on the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan, the Transitional Employment Allowance, Saskatchewan Employment Supplement and the Provincial Training Allowance. In addition, when people purchase the discounted bus passes, the City will include passes to its leisure centres, which are good for admission into city-run pools and drop-in fitness programs.

More details will be available from the City of Saskatoon in the upcoming months, such as where passes can be purchased.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Jeff Balon City of Saskatoon Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-2630