To enhance economical transportation options for residents, discounted passes will now be offered through the Chestermere Community Support Services’ Community Access Program to use Calgary Transit.
As Chestermere passengers are not able to utilize the City of Calgary’s subsidized transit rates, the City of Chestermere can now offer a subsidy program for any residents facing social and affordability barriers. This allows Chestermere to align subsidized fares with Calgary’s offering and remove barriers to transit ridership, including the new Chestermere Transit Link launched this summer.
Chestermere residents who are interested in applying for the transit subsidy can fill out the Community Support Services general intake form at Chestermere.ca/intake or call (403) 207-7079 for assistance.
Requests to access the transit subsidy program will be evaluated based on income as well as individual needs and circumstances. Community members are asked to reach out via the website form or by phone before coming to City Hall to arrange purchase of subsidized passes.
In order to offer passes and tickets at a discounted rate, applicants will need to provide proof of income documentation.
Discounted transit tickets or passes will be provided to those Chestermere residents who demonstrate a need for subsidized transit service and pricing will be determined on a sliding scale system based on income (see Appendix below).
The program will provide up to $500 per person, per year and participants will be required to re-apply each year, allowing the City to re-confirm their eligibility.
Funding of the subsidized fares will be provided through Gifts of Kindness donations and developer or other contributions made to the Transit Pilot Project.
More information about fares and schedules can be found at www.chestermere.ca/transit.
APPENDIX
The subsidized fare options available to eligible Chestermere residents will include:
A $500 maximum subsidy would provide an adult in Band A with approximately 5 monthly passes at the reduced price of $5.45/month and an adult in Band C with approximately 9 monthly passes at the reduced price of $54.50/month.
General Eligibility Thresholds
Band A – No income; accessing social benefits such as: Assured income for the severely handicapped, senior’s financial assistance, income support through Alberta Works, Alberta Child Health Benefit, Adult Health Benefit; reference point to Chestermere’s Living Wage.
Band B – In accordance to Canada’s Low Income Cut Off and current Notice of Assessment; reference point to Chestermere’s Living Wage.
Band C (Special circumstances) – Letter from a Social Worker, Stats Canada Low Income Cut Off + 10%, reference point to Living Wage.