Income-based program replacing senior and student fares on Grand River Transit

Grand River Transit (GRT) will phase out itsfare-reduction program for seniors, as well as elementary and high school as of July 1st.

GRT has introduced a new fare reduction program that is based on income as part of its Affordable Transit Program which is open to all members of a household including children 17 or younger.

The program offers a 48 per cent discount on both monthly passes and stored value for people living on low incomes.

The region said in a news release the aim of the new program is "to offer more people living with low-income, including seniors, elementary and high school students, affordable transit."

When the program went before Region of Waterloo council it was estimated to help 8,600 customers and would cost the region roughly $680,000 per year.

To be eligible, a low income for one person is defined asa salary of $18,900 or less after taxes; for a family of five it would bea salary of $41,580 or less.

No fare changes for 2021

The region says seniors and students can continue to use their existing EasyGO fare cards. WhileMobilityPLUS customers who have reduced tickets can use them until the end of the year.

People can apply for the Affordable Transit Programonline, by phone or by visiting one of the Community Service Welcome Centres in Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge.

Grand River Transit said there would be no changes to cash fares, regular monthly passes or stored value payments for 2021.