GRT’s Affordable Transit Program making transit more accessible for more people1 min read

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More people than ever are benefitting from Grand River Transit’s Affordable Transit Program. The fare discount program was expanded with a council investment this summer. Twice as many transit customers are now using the program, compared to one year ago.

Fare products can be purchased at a 48 per cent discount as soon as the rider is approved, and there is no wait list for the program.

Increased need in the community prompted the Region to invest another $120,000 per year in the program. The Region also increased the income limits for participants by 15 per cent, making more people eligible for the program.

ATP was launched in April 2020 as part of the Region’s shift away from age-based discounts towards means-based fare structures.

“The continued growth of this program shows us a continued need for this transit option, and we know that offering the support is helping people get around the region,” said Fauzia Baig, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Region of Waterloo.

“Meeting the transportation needs of our residents is a key goal of the Region’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, and I’m happy people are able to access this support.”

Residents need to apply annually for the program, with eligibility managed by the Region’s Community Services department.

Anyone looking to apply can get more information online, or visit one of the Region’s Community Service Welcome Centres, which are located at:

99 Regina St. S. Waterloo

235 King St. E., Kitchener

150 Main St., Cambridge

Full details are available at grt.ca/ATP or by calling 519-585-7555.