EDMONTON – An annual campaign that provides free public transit tickets to Edmonton residents in need has launched for a 20th consecutive year.
The Donate-A-Ride campaign started Monday and will run until March 31. It distributes ETS transit tickets to community agencies which then pass them to low-income residents and Edmonton families in need.
The agencies include Boyle Street Community Services, Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters, Edmonton’s Food Bank, YESS, Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton, and iHuman Youth Society.
The city says transit access can improve quality of life by providing transportation to employment, education and social services.
“Imagine the difference we could make if everyone donated just one transit ticket,” said Mayor Don Iveson.
Donate-A-Ride has grown tremendously since its inaugural year. In 1996, 1,840 transit tickets were distributed by five agencies. Last year, 101,136 tickets were handed out by 73 agencies.
“It’s about dignity too. It’s about people who need a step up, who need a hand up, so this program helps them to do that,” Councillor Dave Loken said.
Donations can be made online or in person by asking a bus driver for an envelope to drop in the fare box.
The Edmonton International Airport is the campaign’s new corporate gold sponsor and it’s already donated $5,000.
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