Grand River Transit is doing away with its age-based reduced fares for seniors, elementary and high school students as it implements a new program geared toward income.
The change comes into effect July 1 and will end the 15 per cent discount currently offered.
Seniors and students can continue to use their EasyGO fare cards, and MobilityPLUS customers who have reduced tickets can continue to use them until Dec. 31, said a press release from GRT.
Originally called the Low Income Transit program, the new income-based program was renamed the Affordable Transit Program (ATP) and offers an average 48 per cent discount on the price of GRT fare products to anyone that qualifies.
The move was recommended in September of 2019 following a controlled trial study done in 2017 that evaluated the impacts of reduced-fare transit passes for people living with low income.
The study, with a goal of finding a sustainable way to expand the scope of its programs for all residents living with low incomes, was led by researchers from the University of Waterloo and involved staff from Grand River Transit, regional staff, and staff from Lutherwood and The Working Centre.
Approximately 43,000 Waterloo region residents live with low income according to the report.
Based on a report presented to regional council in 2019, the average monthly purchase of reduced passes or ticket rides equates to about 12 per cent of GRT’s monthly ridership.
It’s estimated the ATP would serve up to 8,600 customers.
The new program will cost the region $681,000 versus the $855,000 needed to provide subsidized transit fares.
Anyone with an annual income below the 'Market Basket Measure' threshold of $18,436 is eligible for ATP.
