The Affordable Access Transit Pass Program will provide passes to 2,000 qualified applicants. Halifax Transit wants to make monthly transit passes more affordable for residents; participants in the program will be able to purchase monthly adult transit passes for 50% off the regular price.
| Transit Passes | Regular Rate |
50% discount available through the Low Income Transit Pass Program |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Passes | Regular Rate |
50% discount available through the Low Income Transit Pass Program |
| Regular Adult Pass | $90 | $45 |
| Regional Express XPass | $139 | $69.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
How many people can participate in the program?
The program is capped at 2,000 residents. Applications will be received and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I know if I qualify?
In order to qualify for the program, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- you must live in the Halifax Regional Municipality
- your combined gross household* income is less than $48,000
- you do not receive a yearly transit pass or transportation subsidy under the Nova Scotia Employment Support and Income Assistance program
*A household is all family members living in the same home related by blood, marriage, common-law or adoption. Roommates are not considered part of the household. Adults are considered persons 18 years and over.
What do I need to apply?
In order to apply, applicants must:
- complete, in full, the Affordable Access program application
- provide a copy of one of the following documents:
- the previous year’s Notice of Assessment or Proof of Income Statement (Option 'C') from the Canada Revenue Agency showing total income on line 15000. This includes adult members of the household not applying for the program*. Revenue Canada requires 10 business days to process a Notice of Assessment request; alternatively, you may obtain a copy of your own notice of assessment online.
- a referral from a community professional who is qualified to assess financial need and is associated with a recognized community-based agency.
Household income includes:
•Salary
•Wages
•Tips
•Business income
•Room and board
•Insurance benefits
•Spousal support
•Investment income
•Private pensions
•Government pensions
•Social assistance
•Government subsidies
•Out-of-country earnings
•Out-of-province earnings
Household income excludes:
•War Veteran’s Allowance
•Child Tax Credit
•GST Rebate
•Provincial Oil Rebate
•Pensions under the Pensions Act (Canada), Chapter P-6, sub-section 1-12
Why do I need to provide my household income?
The intent of the program is to improve the accessibility of transit service to low income residents; therefore, it’s important to determine the income of all adult residents in a household.
When will the applications be available?
Applications are accepted starting in mid-May. Carefully review the application to ensure you have all the documentation required.
How do I submit my application?
Currently, you may submit your application via email or mail only.
Please label envelope as follows:
Halifax Regional Municipality
Attention: Affordable Access Transit Pass Program
PO Box 1749
Halifax, NS Canada B3J 3A5
Email your completed application form and attach your most recent Notice of Assessment or Proof of Income Statement (Option 'C') from the Canada Revenue Agency showing total income on line 15000.
Is there anyone who can help me with my application?
If you need help with your application form, please call 311 for assistance.
What are the deadlines for applications?
There is no deadline for the applications. The program will remain open until filled.
How do I know if I have been accepted into the program?
Applicants can call 311 to find out if they are approved.
How long does it take for applications to be processed?
Applications may take up to 20 business days to be processed.
If selected to participate in the program, how do I get my passes?
The Affordable Access Transit Pass will be available on HFXGO, Halifax Transit's fare payment app for users with a verified HFXGO account. Applicants must include their HFXGO account email when applying.
Applicants who choose to purchase and use the HFXGO app for their Affordable Access Transit Pass will have the 50% discount entitlement sent to their HFXGO account. HFXGO users will be expected to continue using the HFXGO app for the duration of the program year.
Alternatively, for each month of the program, participants need to bring a photo ID to any one of the two Customer Service Centres to purchase a pass.
What happens if I'm in the program but I don't buy a pass every month?
There is no obligation to purchase a monthly pass every month however, in August 2017, Regional Council approved an amendment to the Affordable Access Transit Pass Program which allows Halifax Transit to remove inactive participants (i.e. those who have not purchased a pass for six consecutive months) to allow approved applicants on the wait list to enter the program. This motion was based on the pilot program findings that 14% of participants did not purchase any passes through the duration of the six month pilot. If a participant purchases one pass every 3 - 4 months, they remain enrolled in the program. The amendment only applies to those who do not purchase a pass for six consecutive months.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes. Completed applications continue to be accepted at municipal Customer Service Centres and successful applicants will be placed on a waiting list.