Calgary mayor seeks new funding framework for low-income transit pass
Global News
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas says he's hoping to get the province on board with increased funding for the city's low-income transit pass program.
Calgary’s mayor says it’s a benefit to the community — but the constant conversation surrounding the city’s low-income transit pass causes too much uncertainty.
Jeromy Farkas says he’s written a letter to the Alberta government, hoping to figure out a new way to fund the program.
The low-income transit pass program uses a sliding scale system that assigns a purchase price based on income. The less an applicant earns, the less they will need to pay.
Calgary offers three levels of discounts: 95 per cent, 65 per cent and 50 per cent. In 2025, the program cost the city $58 million.
Provincial funding of $6.3 million covered slightly more than 10 per cent of that figure.
At a strategic meeting of Calgary city council on Tuesday, Farkas confirmed he sent a letter to Alberta Transportation Minister Jason Nixon in February.
“To ensure long-term, sustainable funding, the City of Calgary is seeking a more predictable and enhanced provincial funding commitment … including exploring longer-term finance and governing models,” Farkas said.
Farkas added he’s received no response from the provincial Transportation Ministry since the letter was sent on Feb. 12.
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