OC Transpo’s new EquiPass now available for low-income families

Eligible residents can now apply for OC Transpo’s EquiPass, a new monthly transit pass that provides a lower-priced transit option for individuals or families who live on low incomes.

The $57-per-month pass cuts the cost of a monthly adult transit pass in half, saving $56.75 each month, or $681 each year.

City council approved $2.7 million for the provision of the EquiPass in the 2017 Budget.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says the program will make life more inclusive for residents seeking employment, as well as for many single parents, newcomers to Canada settling in Ottawa, and other residents living on low-income wages.

“The money they will save on transit will leave more available for other basic necessities and allow them to participate more fully in our city’s job market and socioeconomic life.”

The EquiPass is available to Ottawa residents whose household income falls below the low-income cut-off threshold, set annually by the federal government.

The low-income cut-off indicates an income threshold below which an individual or family is likely to spend significantly more of its income on food, shelter and clothing.

Customers must complete an application form. Once approved, they will be able to purchase the discounted pass for use as of April 1, 2017. The pass is valid for travel on all OC Transpo services, including Para Transpo and the O-Train Trillium Line, as well as STO services.

Applications can be downloaded from octranspo.com or picked up in person at all OC Transpo Customer service centres, City of Ottawa client service centres, Ottawa public libraries and social support centres.

Applications can also be picked up at many community partner locations, including community health and resource centres, community houses and settlement agencies.

Completed applications can be mailed to OC Transpo or dropped off in person at an OC Transpo customer service centre or one of 15 other designated locations.

The review and approval process will generally take up to three weeks, after which successful applicants can visit an OC Transpo customer service centre to set the EquiPass discount on their Presto card.

For more information on how to apply for the EquiPass, including a full list of application pickup and drop-off locations, please visit octranspo.com.

The city has also released information on how residents can apply for the EquiPass at ottawa.ca.