Released on July 5, 2017
Today, Saskatoon Silverspring-Sutherland MLA Paul Merriman, Batoche MLA Delbert Kirsch and Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence all on behalf of Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor announced the continuation of funding for the Discounted Bus Pass (DBP) program.The Government of Saskatchewan has invested up to $1.8 million in the DBP program in 2017-18 to keep monthly bus passes affordable for Saskatchewan people who receive income assistance. The program helps individuals with low incomes search for or travel to work, attend health care appointments and attend to other daily living needs. Cities set transit rates, and the province’s DBP program gives riders a discount of $25 off of the full fare.
“This program is an important support for Saskatchewan people on income assistance,” Merriman said. “I am proud of our government’s work with our municipal partners that helps make life more affordable for those in need.”
“In order to have a strong, vibrant community it is important that all citizens can get around to work, play and live,” Saskatoon Councilor Bev Dubois said. “This partnership helps people on income assistance by further subsidizing the cost of a transit pass, making our city more accessible and connected.”
Many cities across Saskatchewan participate in the DBP program and receive funding from the province:
- Saskatoon - $888,000
- Regina - $729,000
- Prince Albert - $119,000
- Moose Jaw - $61,000
- North Battleford - $7,500
- Yorkton - $18,750
- Swift Current - $8,750
Since 2007, government has increased its contribution to the program from $12 per pass to $25, allowing participating cities to continue offering discounted bus passes to Social Services clients receiving income assistance. The Discounted Bus Pass program supports Saskatchewan’s Poverty Reduction Strategy which is committed to helping secure a better quality of life for our province’s vulnerable citizens.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca