Calgary

1. Overview of Calgary’s Public Transit System

Calgary Transit operates the city’s public transportation system, which includes buses and the CTrain (light rail). The system is well-connected and serves most areas of the city, making it a reliable option for commuting. To make transit accessible to all, Calgary offers several subsidy programs.

---

2. Transportation Subsidy Programs in Calgary

a. Fair Entry Program

The Fair Entry program is Calgary’s primary system for assessing eligibility for various city subsidies, including discounted transit passes. It is designed for low-income residents and provides access to the following:

• Low-Income Monthly Transit Pass
• Senior Yearly Transit Pass
• Other city services (e.g., recreation subsidies)

Eligibility Criteria for Fair Entry:

To qualify, you must meet the low-income threshold based on the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) set by Statistics Canada. You’ll need to provide proof of income or participation in government assistance programs, such as:

• Alberta Works Income Support
• Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) with income details
• Recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

How to Apply for Fair Entry:

1. Gather Required Documents:
   • Proof of Calgary residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
   • Proof of income or government assistance
2. Submit Your Application:
   • Online: Through the Fair Entry portal on the City of Calgary website.
   • In-person: At Fair Entry offices (e.g., Calgary Municipal Building).
   • By mail: Send your completed application and documents to the Fair Entry office.
3. Wait for Approval:
   • Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation letter.

---

b. Low-Income Monthly Transit Pass

This program offers a discounted monthly transit pass for eligible low-income residents.

• Cost:

  • The cost is based on a sliding scale, depending on your income level:
    • Band A: $5.60/month (deepest discount)
    • Band B: $39.00/month
    • Band C: $56.00/month
  • Regular adult monthly passes cost $112.00, so this is a significant discount.

• How to Purchase:

  • Once approved for Fair Entry, you can buy the pass at:
    • Calgary Transit Customer Service Centres
    • Participating retailers
    • Online through the Calgary Transit website

---

c. Senior Yearly Transit Pass

This program provides affordable transit for seniors aged 65 and older.

• Cost:

  • $150/year for seniors with moderate income.
  • $5/year for low-income seniors (through Fair Entry).

• Eligibility:

  • Seniors must provide proof of age and income to qualify for the discounted rate.

• How to Apply:

  • Seniors can apply through the Fair Entry program or directly at Calgary Transit Customer Service Centres.

---

d. Youth and Student Discounts

• Youth Monthly Pass:
  • Available for youth aged 6-17 at a discounted rate of $85.00/month (as of 2023).
• Post-Secondary Students:
  • Eligible students can purchase a UPass (Universal Transit Pass) through their institution. The UPass is included in student fees at participating universities and colleges, such as the University of Calgary and SAIT.

---

3. Additional Considerations for Newcomers to Calgary

a. Proof of Residency

To qualify for subsidies, you must provide proof that you live in Calgary. If you’re new to the city, ensure you have documents like a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement with your Calgary address.

b. Language Support

If English is not your first language, the Fair Entry office and Calgary Transit provide translation services or multilingual staff to assist with applications.

c. Accessibility

Calgary Transit is committed to accessibility. All CTrain stations and most buses are wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility challenges, you may also qualify for Calgary Transit Access, a door-to-door shared-ride service for people with disabilities.

d. Payment Methods

• Calgary Transit uses the MyFare app, which allows you to purchase and store tickets and passes digitally.
• Physical passes and tickets are also available at retail locations and Calgary Transit Customer Service Centres.

e. Renewal of Subsidies

Fair Entry approvals are valid for up to one year. You’ll need to reapply annually to continue receiving subsidies. Keep track of your renewal date to avoid interruptions in benefits.

---

4. Tips for Navigating Calgary Transit

• Plan Your Trip: Use the Calgary Transit app or website to plan routes and check schedules.
• Peak Hours: Transit is busiest during weekday mornings (6:30-9:00 AM) and evenings (3:30-6:00 PM). Plan accordingly.
• Weather Preparedness: Calgary’s winters can be harsh. Dress warmly and check for service delays during snowstorms.
• Safety: Calgary Transit is generally safe, but always stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.

---

5. Contact Information

• Fair Entry Office:
  • Phone: 311 (within Calgary) or 403-268-2489 (outside Calgary)
  • Address: Calgary Municipal Building, 800 Macleod Trail SE
  • Website: Fair Entry Program
• Calgary Transit Customer Service:
  • Phone: 403-262-1000
  • Website: Calgary Transit

---

By taking advantage of these subsidies, you can significantly reduce your transportation costs and make it easier to navigate Calgary. If you have further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Fair Entry office or Calgary Transit.