GOVERNMENT EXPANDS DISCOUNTED BUS PASS PROGRAM

The Government of Saskatchewan has expanded the Discounted Bus Pass Program to North Battleford; bringing the number of communities in the province where the program is offered to seven. The program has also been renewed for another year in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Swift Current.

"This program demonstrates the positive things that can happen when we work with municipalities to support the most vulnerable members of our society," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "As a result, people with lower incomes in seven Saskatchewan cities have access to affordable public transportation, allowing them to enter the workforce, remain working, or take part in community activities."

Under this program, the province pays participating cities a $24.50 subsidy for every bus pass sold each month and the city then reduces the cost of bus passes for people with low incomes. The province will invest $2 million in the program this year.

The program is available to Saskatchewan residents receiving assistance from the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program, Saskatchewan Assistance Program, Transitional Employment Allowance, Saskatchewan Employment Supplement, or the Provincial Training Allowance. There were more than 67,000 discounted bus passes sold in Saskatchewan last year.

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For more information, contact:

Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca