City to introduce new low-income transit fare

The City of Ottawa is proposing a new low-income transit fare to be included as part of its 2018 budget.

This announcement of the new "EquiFare" comes after the city launched a reducedtransit pass in early March. The "EquiFare" would just be for a single fare.

The city is asking OC Transpo to work with them to implement this new fare option.

• Have a low income? You can now apply for an affordable OC Transpo pass

Individuals and familieswho fallunder Statistics Canada's definition of low income would be able to use this discount fare, which Mayor Jim Watsonsays will help make Ottawa more inclusive.

"We feel providing a single fare option is the next logical step in the evolution of the EquiPass," Watson said in a press release."These changes will help us reach our goal of expanding inclusive and equitable fares for eligible Ottawa residents."

Transit Commission chair Stephen Blaiswill discuss more details about the fare and introduce a motion on it at a commission meeting on Wednesday.

Since it was introduced, 2,300 people have been approvedfor the EquiPass, which costs $57 per month.