Achi news desk-
A day after Calgary’s mayor called the Alberta government’s decision to pull its funding for the low-income transit pass program “brutal,” the province is reversing its decision.
The cities of Calgary and Edmonton were notified earlier this week that an annual provincial grant to help pay for some of its transportation subsidy program would end.
In Calgary, the amount was $6.2 million per year.
“Following conversations with the two largest cities, it is clear that the cities are unable to pay for their full programs at this time,” said Jason Nixon, the minister of seniors, community and social services, in a statement.
“As a result, the Alberta government will continue to extend this funding to the cities and work with them to ensure that their low-income transportation program continues to be funded into the future.”
The Low Income Transit Ticket (LITP) program was launched in Calgary in 2005 and has been partially funded by the Alberta government since 2017. It establishes a sliding scale for people to receive discounted monthly transit passes based on income.
According to city officials, more than 119,000 low-income tickets have already been issued in Calgary this year — a 35 percent jump from last year.
Calgary already funds more than 80 percent of its LITP program, which totals about $38 million a year.
Calgary councilors spent Tuesday night debating ways to think about the province’s $6.2 million contribution.
Both voted unanimously in favor of an attempt to recoup the financial loss by asking the Alberta government to reduce its property tax request for the year by that amount.
In a statement, the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) said it was pleased with the province’s plan to continue the low-income transit pass program.
“This critical program enables tens of thousands of residents to access affordable transportation, which connects them to employment, education and essential services,” the statement reads.
“We are grateful that the government has heard our concerns and those of some communities in Calgary and Edmonton.”
