Alberta’s NDP government has announced $13.5 million in funding to help make public transit affordable for more Calgarians.
The city’s low-income transit pass program will receive $4.5 million annually for three years.
Minister of Human Services Irfan Sabir made the announcement alongside Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi during a Friday morning news conference.
“Calgary’s low-income transit pass makes it easier for families to get around the city to access jobs, services and the resources they need,” Sabir said. “We are proud to partner with the city to reduce poverty and help families make ends meet.”
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“Access to public transit is vital for low-income Calgarians so they can get to school, work, and around the community,” Nenshi added. “This investment will help many Calgarians.”
The funding announcement came on the heels of a similar announcement in Edmonton on Thursday.
READ MORE: Low-income transit pass coming to Edmonton
According to Alberta NDP, 25,000 Calgarians take advantage of the low-income transit pass on a monthly basis.