DISCOUNT BUS PASS PROGRAM RENEWED IN SASKATOON AND REGINA

Lower-income people in Saskatoon and Regina will continue to have access to affordable public transportation, following the renewal of the discount bus pass program in both cities.

"Discount bus passes help lower-income people enter and remain in the workforce and participate in community activities," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "The new provincial government is pleased to partner with Saskatoon and Regina to ensure the viability of this important program in our two largest cities."

As part of the renewed agreements, the province will now pay $18 for each monthly bus pass sold to eligible lower-income people. This represents a 50 per cent increase to the provincial subsidy.

Saskatoon City Council voted to approve the new agreement on December 17, and a similar arrangement is in development with the City of Regina. Discussions are also underway in other cities where the program is available.

Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison thanked the provincial government for their quick response on the issue.

"This new agreement allows the City to continue to participate in the affordable public transportation program," Atchison said. "The discounted bus pass, coupled with free leisure facility passes, ensures access to important services for all Saskatoon citizens."

"The discount bus pass program has been successful in Regina since it was first piloted and later made permanent," Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "The discount bus pass program gives people the opportunity to participate fully in our City."

The discount bus passes will continue to be sold and administered by each city's transit authority. Cost of the monthly pass is determined by each city.

The discount bus passes were first offered as part of a pilot program in Regina in 2003, and later expanded to include Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Yorkton.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: bmiller3@cr.gov.sk.ca

His Worship Don Atchison, Mayor
City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-3202

George Penn
City of Regina
Regina
Phone: 306-777-7784