Halifax

1. Affordable Access Program (Low-Income Transit Pass Program)

Overview:

The Affordable Access Program is designed to provide discounted transit passes to low-income residents of Halifax. This program helps eligible individuals access Halifax Transit services at a reduced cost.

Eligibility:

To qualify for the Affordable Access Program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
• Have a household income below the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold, as determined by Statistics Canada.
• Provide proof of income, such as:
  • Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment (NOA).
  • Proof of receiving income assistance from the Department of Community Services.
  • Proof of receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for seniors.

Benefits:

• Participants receive a 50% discount on monthly Halifax Transit passes.
• The discounted pass can be used for unlimited travel on buses and ferries within the Halifax Transit network.

Costs:

• Regular adult monthly pass: $82.50
• Discounted adult monthly pass under the program: $41.25
• Regular senior/youth monthly pass: $62.50
• Discounted senior/youth monthly pass under the program: $31.25

Application Process:

1. Complete the Application Form:
   • Download the Affordable Access Program application form from the Halifax Regional Municipality website or pick up a paper copy at a municipal customer service center.
2. Provide Supporting Documents:
   • Include proof of income and residency as outlined in the eligibility criteria.
3. Submit the Application:
   • Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a municipal customer service center.
4. Wait for Approval:
   • Once approved, you will receive instructions on how to purchase your discounted transit pass.

Key Considerations:

• Applications are accepted year-round, but approval may take several weeks.
• You must reapply annually to maintain eligibility.
• The program also provides access to other municipal subsidies, such as recreation program discounts.

---

2. Seniors' Transit Discount

Overview:

Halifax Transit offers discounted fares for seniors aged 65 and older, making public transit more affordable for this demographic.

Eligibility:

• Must be 65 years of age or older.
• Proof of age may be required when purchasing a pass or boarding a bus.

Benefits:

• Seniors pay a reduced fare for single rides and monthly passes.

Costs:

• Regular single ride fare: $2.75
• Senior single ride fare: $2.00
• Regular monthly pass: $82.50
• Senior monthly pass: $62.50

Application Process:

• No formal application is required for the senior discount. Simply purchase a senior fare or pass at the reduced rate.
• Passes can be purchased at retail outlets, Halifax Transit terminals, or online.

Key Considerations:

• Seniors can also take advantage of free transit on designated days, such as "Free Transit Tuesdays" (check with Halifax Transit for current promotions).

---

3. Student Transit Discounts

Overview:

Students in Halifax, including those attending universities and colleges, can access discounted transit passes through partnerships between Halifax Transit and educational institutions.

Eligibility:

• Must be a full-time student at a participating institution, such as:
  • Dalhousie University
  • Saint Mary’s University
  • Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
• Eligibility is typically verified through your student ID or enrollment status.

Benefits:

• Many institutions include a Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) as part of student fees, providing unlimited access to Halifax Transit services.

Costs:

• The cost of the U-Pass is included in student fees, which vary by institution. For example:
  • Dalhousie University U-Pass (2023-2024): $165 per semester.
• This is significantly cheaper than purchasing a regular monthly pass.

Application Process:

• No separate application is required. The U-Pass is automatically issued to eligible students through their institution.
• If you opt out of the U-Pass program (if eligible), you will need to purchase regular transit passes.

Key Considerations:

• The U-Pass is valid for the academic year and can be used on all Halifax Transit buses and ferries.
• Students not eligible for the U-Pass can still purchase discounted youth passes.

---

4. Free Transit for Children Under 12

Overview:

Halifax Transit allows children aged 12 and under to ride for free, making it easier for families to use public transit.

Eligibility:

• Children must be 12 years old or younger.
• No ID or proof of age is required, but drivers may ask for confirmation if the child appears older.

Benefits:

• Free access to all Halifax Transit buses and ferries.

Costs:

• No cost for children under 12.

Application Process:

• No application is required. Children can simply board the bus or ferry for free.

Key Considerations:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult if they are too young to travel alone.

---

5. Additional Considerations and Resources

Halifax Transit Fare Management:

• Halifax Transit uses a cash-based fare system, but monthly passes and tickets can be purchased in advance.
• Exact change is required for cash fares on buses.

Where to Buy Passes:

• Passes and tickets can be purchased at:
  • Halifax Transit terminals.
  • Select retail outlets (e.g., Shoppers Drug Mart).
  • Online through the Halifax Transit website.

Accessibility:

• Halifax Transit buses and ferries are wheelchair accessible.
• Priority seating is available for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with strollers.

Contact Information:

• For more information about transportation subsidies, contact Halifax Transit:
  • Phone: 311 (within HRM) or 1-800-835-6428 (outside HRM).
  • Website: Halifax Transit

---

Conclusion

Halifax offers a range of transportation subsidies to make public transit more affordable and accessible for residents, including low-income individuals, seniors, students, and families. By taking advantage of these programs, you can significantly reduce your transportation costs while navigating the city efficiently. Be sure to check the Halifax Transit website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on fares, eligibility, and application processes.