Government's $1.6 million investment in the provincial Discounted Bus Pass (DBP) program will ensure bus passes continue to be affordable for Saskatchewan's most vulnerable.
The DBP program helps individuals with low income to search for or travel to work, attend health care appointments, and attend to other daily living needs. The DBP program allows cities to set the retail rate they charge to the client, while still ensuring it is at least $25 below the full fare.
The purchase cost of DBP bus passes is shared by the Ministry of Social Services, the municipality, and the client, to make passes more affordable.
"This program is a good example of how the province and municipalities are working together to support society's most vulnerable people to return to the workforce," Social Services Minister June Draude said.
"Our government takes great pride in providing the supports necessary to ensure our most vulnerable have access to safe and affordable transit across the province."
The cities of Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton and North Battleford participate in the DBP program. The program is anticipated to cost $1.6 million in 2014-15, an increase of $60,000 from the expected cost in 2013-14.
Since 2007, government has increased its contribution to the program from $12 to $25, allowing participating cities to continue to offer the discounted bus passes to Social Services clients receiving income assistance.
