The EPass program is available through the municipal SmartTrip Program, which provides organizations with sustainable commuting options for their employees. To participate in the SmartTrip program, employers are charged a yearly fee of $100 (1-250 employees) and $250 (250+ employees).
Learn more about additional programs available through the SmartTrip program such as Guaranteed Ride Home, SmartRide, and SmartCycle.
About the EPass Program
The EPass program is an annual discounted transit pass, purchased by the employee through payroll deduction. The employer and SmartTrip contribute each 12.5% or $10.31 per pass, per month which provides the employee a savings of $20.62 per month (see table below for cost breakdown). There is no minimum number of employees required to participate.
Currently, there are two enrolment periods, January and June of each year and employees must sign up for a 12-month period.
EPass Program advantages include:
- Savings: According to the Canadian Automobile Association, an average commute of 16km to work can cost up to $24 a day, when fuel, depreciation, insurance and car payments are factored. By comparison, commuting to work every day via the EPass program cost a little over $3 a day.
- Save time and stress: Transit commuters experience less stress during peak travel hours, and find time to read, listen to a podcast, conduct business, or simply relax. Additionally, the EPass is paid through payroll deductions which eliminates the need to purchase a monthly transit pass.
- Help the environment: Help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. One transit bus can take 40 vehicles off the road, saving 70,000 litres of fuel and keeping over 165 tonnes of pollutants out of the atmosphere per year.
| Type of Pass | Regular Pass Fee | EPass fee to Employee | Employer Contribution (12.5%) | SmartTrip Contribution (12.5%) | Employee Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Pass | Regular Pass Fee | EPass fee to Employee | Employer Contribution (12.5%) | SmartTrip Contribution (12.5%) | Employee Savings |
| XPass | $82.50/month | $61.88/month $30.94/bi-weekly | $10.31/per month $123.72/per year | $10.31/per month $123.72/per year | $20.62/month $247.44/year |
More Information
For more information on the EPass Program, please email the EPass Program Coordinator at SmartTrip@halifax.ca.