Alberta will continue to fund the transit program for low-income citizens

After Calgary's mayor called the Alberta government's decision to remove funding for a low-income transit program “cruel,” the province is reversing its decision.

The cities of Calgary and Edmonton announced earlier this week that an annual provincial grant that helps cover some of their transit subsidy program is ending.

In Calgary, that amount was $6.2 million a year.

“After conversations with two major cities, it's clear that cities cannot afford to pay for their full programs at this time,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.

“As a result, the Alberta government will continue to distribute this funding to cities and work with them to ensure that their low-income transit program is funded in the future.”

The Low Income Transit Ticket (LITP) program was launched in Calgary in 2005 and has been partially funded by the Government of Alberta since 2017. It establishes a sliding scale for people to receive discounted monthly transit passes based on income.

More than 119,000 low-income permits have been issued in Calgary so far this year, up 35 percent from last year, according to city officials.

Calgary already funds more than 80 percent of the LITP program, which is about $38 million a year.

Calgary councilors discussed ways to find the province's $6.2 million contribution Tuesday night.

They unanimously supported the effort to offset the funding loss by asking the Alberta government to reduce property tax claims for the year by that amount.

The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) said in a statement that it is pleased with the province's plan to continue the transit program for low-income citizens.

“This important program will provide tens of thousands of residents with access to affordable transportation that connects them to work, education and vital services,” the release said.

“We are grateful that the government has heard our concerns and those of the communities in Calgary and Edmonton.”