It doesn’t do much justice to say that COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives. It has, and it’s continuing to put all kinds of pressure on us to figure out how the heck we exist in this new world that has been created. Thinking of all the people who have lost jobs or had to adjust the way they work makes your head spin. 

Sorry, we know it sounds a bit doomsday-ish, but we got to keep it real with you. And while people are trying to get back on their feet, being able to afford the back and forth commute across public transit is more important than ever. That’s where low-income transit passes come in. If you qualify, you can pay a reduced rate for commuting on public transit. 

What you need to know about low-income transit passes in Ontario

The specific approaches to low-cost transit passes vary by city but have the same goal of making public transit more affordable. You’ll need to qualify to be eligible for any of the low-income transit breaks, so it’s important you take note of the qualifications. Below, we break down the details and qualifications by region to help you better understand if you qualify for low-income transit passes.

 

Brampton/Mississauga – Affordable Transit Program

How much do the passes for the Affordable Transit Program cost? 

Your monthly pass will be discounted by 50% through the Affordable Transit Program. Once your application gets approved, you can buy the monthly pass at half price for 12 months ($64 in Brampton and $67.50 in Mississauga). Works on your PRESTO card.

Who can apply for the Affordable Transit Program?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible, as well as newcomers who have applied for permanent residency, sponsorship, or refugee protection in Canada. International students and foreign workers are not eligible. You must also live in Mississauga or Brampton and have a net income equal to or less than these limits:

• Family size of 1 – $22,133 
• Family size of 2 – $31,301 
• Family size of 3 – $38,335
• Family size of 4 – $44,266 
• Family size of 5 – $49,491 
• Family size of 6 – $54,215 
• Family size of 7 – $58,558

When to apply

New applicants were being accepted as of July 2, 2020. The approval process takes 20 days. If you’ve already applied for renewal or applied before March 21, 2020, your application is being processed.  

How to apply

Applications are done online and reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. Every member of your household who is applying for a discount must have their own registered PRESTO card. It may take up to 15 days to hear a response.

How much do the passes for the Affordable Transit Program cost? 

Your monthly pass will be discounted by 50% through the Affordable Transit Program. Once your application gets approved, you can buy the monthly pass at half price for 12 months ($64 in Brampton and $67.50 in Mississauga). Works on your PRESTO card. 

What you need when you apply to the Affordable Transit Program

You’ll need the most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) for yourself and all applicants in your household who are over the age of 18. If you do not have your NOA, you can request a replacement from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1-800-959-8281.

If you’re new to Canada and have never filed taxes, you can still apply. You’ll need to fill out one of the following documents.

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence Document
• Protected Person Status Document
• Refugee Protection Claimant Document

If you still have questions, email Peel Region Transit.

Transit Tip: Get real-time transit alerts and arrival times with Rocketman. Learn more about the Rocketman app for Brampton transit and Mississauga transit.

 

Guelph: Affordable Bus Pass

What is the monthly cost of the Affordable Bus Pass? 

Here’s a breakdown of the monthly cost of an Affordable Bus Pass. 

• Adults – $37.50
• Youth – $32
• Seniors – $31 

Who can apply for the Affordable Bus Pass? 

If you’re an adult, youth, or senior who lives in a low-income household, you can apply any time for a one-year pass. You must also meet all of the following requirements: 

• Must be a resident of Guelph.
• Post-secondary students may apply with the exception of University of Guelph full-time students who have a U-pass included in their student fees.
• Adults, youths, and seniors who are experiencing barriers to accessing public transit based on their low family income as per the Statistics Canada low-income cut-off measure may qualify: 

The low-income cut-off is as follows: 

• Family of 1 – $17,570
• Family of 2 – $21,384
• Family of 3 – $26,628
• Family of 4 – $33, 221
• Family of 5 – $37,828
• Family of 6 – $41,953
• Family of 7 – $46,077

How do you apply for the Affordable Bus Pass? 

You can apply for the Affordable Bus Pass by picking up an application at the following locations: 

• ServiceGuelph, City Hall 
• Evergreen Seniors Community Centre
• West End Community Centre
• Guelph Transit administration office

You can also go to guelph.ca to download the application form. Applications can take up to ten days to process and must be renewed every year. 

Where do you purchase your Affordable Care Bus Pass? 

From the same locations mentioned above. If you have any questions, call 519-822-1260, extension 2042.

 

Halton: SPLIT 

Who can apply for the SPLIT? 

Students, adults, or seniors living in Halton with low income may be eligible. You may also qualify if you’re receiving assistance from the Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support programs or if you are a government- or privately-sponsored refugee.

How do you apply for SPLIT? 

Call 311, and a Halton staff member will let you know what information you need to provide. Your information will be reviewed, and they’ll determine if you qualify. Your qualification lasts for one full year. 

What documents do you need to apply for SPLIT? 

• The most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from your tax return for all family members over the age of 18
• Government photo identification
• Proof of address in Halton Region
• High School students must have a valid student ID card from the high school they attend
• Seniors aged 65 and older must prove of age for the senior fare.
• Sponsored refugees must provide immigration papers

Where do you purchase your pass if you qualify? 

• Burlington: Burlington Transit – 460 John Street 
• Milton: Milton Town Hall – 150 Mary Street
• Oakville: Oakville Townhall – 1225 Trafalgar Road and Oakville Transit – 430 Wyecroft Road
• Halton: Town of Halton Hills – 11620 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown

Transit Tip: Get real-time transit alerts and arrival times with Rocketman. Learn more about the Rocketman app. 

 

Hamilton: Affordable Transit Pass Program 

What is the cost of a monthly pass on the Affordable Transit Pass Program? 

With the Affordable Transit Pass Program, you receive a 50% discount on your monthly pass. You can load your PRESTO card online at presto.ca. The monthly cost breakdown under the Affordable Transit Pass Program is as follows: 

• Adults – $55
• Youth and Children – $45.10
• Seniors – $16.25

Who is eligible for the Affordable Transit Pass Program? 

You have to meet ALL of the following criteria to qualify: 

1. You live in the City of Hamilton.
2. You are currently working in a full time, part-time, or casual position. This does not include those who are self-employed.
3. You are between the ages of 18 and 64. This does not include those who qualify for HSR’s student or senior fares.
4. You receive assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program but do not receive transportation costs for other activities (e.g. medical transportation);
   OR
   Your family income falls below the 2006 Statistics Canada Low-Income Cut-Off for your family size: 

• Family of 1 – $17,570
• Family of 2 – $21,384
• Family of 3 – $26,628
• Family of 4 – $33, 221
• Family of 5 – $37,828
• Family of 6 – $41,953
• Family of 7 – $46,077

How do you apply for the Affordable Transit Pass Program? 

Complete this application form and submit online. You only need one application form for you and your spouse or partner. 

Other documents you’ll need with your application: When submitting your application, you’ll also need to include your last year’s Notice of Assessment (NOA) and four consecutive pay stubs that are recent. If you can’t find last year’s Notice of Assessment, call the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1-800-959-8281. You’ll have to answer some verification questions, and they will give you another copy.  

How do you purchase your pass? 

Once your application is approved, you’ll have to head down to HSR Customer Service Centre located at 36 Hunter Street East in the Hamilton GO Station. Show your approval letter, and you’ll get the discount. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

When can you purchase your pass? 

You can purchase your pass between the 20th day of the previous month and the 13th day of the month in which your pass is being used. For example, to purchase a pass for October, you have between September 20 and October 13. If you need more information about Hamilton’s Affordable Transit Pass Program, email support@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-2590. 

Transit Tip: Get real-time transit alerts and arrival times with Rocketman. Learn more about the Rocketman app.

 

London: Income Related Transit Program 

How much does the monthly pass cost? 

Monthly passes for eligible recipients cost $52. 

Who can apply for the Income Related Transit Program? 

To qualify for the Income Related Transit Program, you have to meet ALL of the following criteria: 

1. You are a resident of London.
2. You are 18+ years of age (seniors with low income are eligible to purchase a subsidized transit pass through this program).
3. Your current income is below the Low Income Cut Off After-Tax (LICO-AT). 

For point number three (LICO-AT), your household family income must fall under one of these amounts: 

• Family of 1 – $18,166
• Family of 2 – $22,109
• Family of 3 – $27,531
• Family of 4 – $34,317
• Family of 5 – $39,112
• Family of 6 – $43,376
• Family of 7 – $47, 640 

When can you apply? 

As of August 15, 2020, Income Related Transit passes were available for purchase online. 

How do you apply for the Income Related Transit Program? 

There are four ways you can apply for the Income Related Transit Program: 

1. You can apply online for the Income-Related Transit Program.
2. In-person paper applications are available and can be picked up and returned to the City of London’s Social Service office at Social Services-Citi Plaza, 355 Wellington Street Suite #248, 2nd Floor South Wing, London, ON.
3. If you want the application mailed to you, call 519-661-5910.
4. You can also complete the application by phone at 519-661-5910.

Where can you purchase the discounted passes? 

You can purchase discounted passes at any of the following locations: 

• Citi Plaza, 355 Wellington Street Suite #248, 2nd Floor South Wing, London
• LTC Head Office, 450 Highbury Ave N, London
• LTC Downtown Information Office, 150 Dundas St, London

If you need more information, you can call 519-661-5910.

 

Toronto: Toronto Public Library Complimentary PRESTO Card Program Initiative  

What is the Toronto Public Library Complimentary PRESTO Card Program Initiative? 

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Toronto Public Library are providing complimentary PRESTO cards to people who do not yet have one or may face challenges in purchasing one. Starting October 5, 2020, PRESTO cards will be available at select Toronto Public Library branches, while quantities last.

Participating Branches 

You can find out more about this Toronto Public Library in partnership with the TTC program in your neighbourhood by visiting or reaching out to your local branch.

If you or somebody you know would benefit from this program, we’ve listed out the participating Toronto branch locations:

• Albion
• Amesbury Park
• Barbara Frum
• Bendale
• Black Creek
• Cedarbrae
• Cliffcrest
• Dawes Road
• Downsview
• Eglinton Square
• Evelyn Gregory
• Flemingdon Park
• Humber Summit
• Jane/Dundas
• Jane/Sheppard
• Kennedy/Eglinton
• Lillian H. Smith
• Main Street
• Malvern
• Maria A. Shchuka
• McGregor Park
• Morningside
• Mount Dennis
• North York Central
• Northern Elms
• Pape/Danforth
• Parkdale
• Parliament Street
• Richview
• Riverdale
• Runnymede
• Sanderson
• Scarborough Civic Centre
• Taylor Memorial
• Thorncliffe
• Toronto Reference Library (Access, 1st-floor circulation desk)
• Weston
• Woodview Park
• York Woods (temporary branch)

For more information, please call their Answerline at 416-397-5981 or email to answerline@tpl.ca.

Transit Tip: Get real-time transit alerts and arrival times with Rocketman. Learn more about the Rocketman app for Toronto transit.

 

York Region – TAP

How much do TAP passes cost? 

A TAP pass is half the cost ($77/month) of a York Region Transit (YRT) adult monthly pass and is valid for unlimited travel on YRT services for the entire month. A TAP pass is loaded onto your PRESTO card.

Who can apply 

York Region residents can apply who are between the ages of 18 to 64, currently not getting transit assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, have agreed to partake in surveys to evaluate the pilot program, and have income at or below these limits:

• Family size of 1 – $29,672 
• Family size of 2 – $41,964 
• Family size of 3 – $51,394 
• Family size of 4 – $59,345 
• Family size 5 – $66,349
• Family size of 6 – $51,394 
• Family size of 7 – $78,506

When to apply for TAP

The TAP pilot program runs till December of 2020. There are a limited number of passes available, so apply now. 

How to apply for TAP

Call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 79000 

(Open Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 

TTY: 1-866-512-6228 or 905-895-4293 (for the deaf, deafened or hard-of-hearing). 

Those 18-64 years old must apply on their own; couples or families must apply as a family.

What you need when you apply for TAP 

• 2019 Notice of Assessment (NOA) on hand 
• Your most recent Canada Child Benefit Statement (CCB) (if you have children under the age of 18 living with you)
• Proof of current York Region residence (e.g. utility bill, drivers licence)

If you have any questions, contact YRT Contact Centre:
Local: 905-762-2100
Toll-free: 1-866-668-3978

 

Ottawa – EquiPass

How much does it cost? 

The EquiPass offers transit discounts for people below the low-income threshold, and comes in the form of either a reduced monthly pass or a reduced fare per-ride. The monthly pass is $58.25, which is nearly half the cost of the Adult pass, and the single-ride fare is $1.75, nearly half the cost of the regular fare. The pass works on Presto or ParaPay, and people who qualify for this program can get a Presto card at no cost.

Who can apply 

People with a family income below the low income threshold can access this pass. Note: this threshold is set by the Government of Canada and may change.

• Family size of 1 – $21,481
• Family size of 2 – $26,143
• Family size of 3 – $32,554
• Family size of 4 – $40,614
• Family size 5 – $46,247
• Family size of 6 – $51,289
• Family size of 7 – $56,331

You should not apply if you currently:

• 65+ years of age or receive Ontario Disability Support Program benefits (Senior and Community passes are less expensive than the EquiPass)
• Receive a school-board issued pass or U-pass
• Receive transportation benefits from Social Services or Ontario Works

How to apply 

You must complete an application form and submit it. You can get your application form by the following methods:

• Online: Online EquiPass application
• Mail: Call 613-741-4390 to request a copy.
• In person: Various locations in Ottawa

You can submit your application online, by mail, or in person. If you are mailing it or submitting it in person, ensure it’s in a sealed envelope that is addressed to ‘EquiPass Applications’.

You can mail it to:

OC Transpo
Attn: EquiPass Applications
925 Belfast Road
Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z4

Or, you can submit it at:

• City of Ottawa Client Service Centres – City Hall/Laurier, Kanata, Orléans, or Ben Franklin Place/Nepean
• OC Transpo Customer Service Centres – 925 Belfast Road, Rideau Centre, Lincoln Fields Station, St-Laurent Station, or Place d’Orléans Station

Within 30 business days of applying, you should receive a letter regarding the application status.

What you need when you apply for EquiPass

• 2019 Notice of Assessment (NOA) on hand (if you don’t have an NOA because you are a newcomer to Canada or have never filed income tax, other documentation may be included in your application)
• Your most recent Canada Child Benefit Statement (CCB) (if you have children under the age of 18 living with you)

If you have any questions, contact OC Transpo at:

• Email: equipass@ottawa.ca
• Phone: 613-741-4390

Here is more information about the EquiPass application process.

Don’t let your income prevent you from commuting 

If you need to get around your city but are worried about the cost, be sure to check out the program for your region. Find out if you’re eligible and fill out the necessary forms. None of them are too long, and even if they are, it’s worth the savings. As long as you’re being safe and respecting the rules and guidelines when travelling, you should feel comfortable commuting wherever you need to. 

At Rocketman, we do our best to keep you ahead of your commute. Get real-time transit alerts, arrival times and try our new crowdedness feature to avoid busy times on your journey.

Download the Rocketman app:

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This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.