Discounted Bus Pass program set to continue in Sask.

People who receive income assistance in Saskatchewan will again be getting help to buy bus passes.

The provincial government is investing up to $1.84 million to continue the Discounted Bus Pass (DBP) program, which helps people with low incomes buy bus passes at a discount of $25 per month.

“Having more affordable transportation will allow people with low incomes to be more connected to their communities and contribute to a better quality of life,” Social Services Minister Lori Carr said in a media release.

“I am proud of our government’s work with cities across the province to help people with low incomes have greater access to public transit.”

Seven Saskatchewan cities receive funding from the province through the program, which provides money based on ridership.

Saskatoon is to get the highest total ($888,000), followed by Regina ($730,000), Prince Albert ($119,000), Moose Jaw ($61,000), Yorkton ($18,000), North Battleford ($12,000) and Swift Current ($12,000).

To be eligible for the program, people need to be receiving assistance from Saskatchewan Income Support, Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, the Saskatchewan Assistance Program, the Transitional Employment Allowance, the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement or the Provincial Training Allowance.

More details are available here.