Low income transit pass program

The Low Income Transit Pass Program is part of Halifax's Affordable Access Program (AAP), which allows qualified residents to apply for municipally-subsidized programs. Approved applicants of the Low Income Transit Pass Program will be able to purchase monthly adult transit passes for 50% off the regular price.  For more information, please visit the Affordable Access page or call 311 for details.

2020/2021 applications are now available. We are currently accepting applications via email or mail only, until Customer Service Centres re-open on August 4, 2020. Applications are processed on a first-come first-served basis. The program is open from July 2020 to June 2021, and current participants who would like to continue in the program must re-apply. Participants in the 2019/20 program will remain enrolled for August and September of 2020.

Successful applicants will be notified by mail, in 2-3 weeks, and must purchase their pass monthly at either the Bayers Road Customer Service Centre or Alderney Gate Customer Service Centre. The Acadia and Scotia Square Mall Service Centres are permanently closed.

Halifax Transit will not replace lost, stolen, or discarded March & April monthly passes.

Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

How many people can participate in the program?

The 2020/21 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 2020/2021 program, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1.    You must live in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
2.    Your combined gross household* income is less than $35,000.
3.    You do not receive a yearly transit pass or transportation subsidy under the Nova Scotia Employment Support and Income Assistance program
4.    You are an adult (over 18 years of age)

*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. 

When will applications be available?

For the 2020/2021 program year, the Affordable Access program application form is available Monday, May 25, 2020.

What do I need to apply?

In order to apply, applicants must:
1.    Complete, in full, the Affordable Access program application.
2.    Provide a copy of your 2019 Notice of Assessment or Proof of Income Statement (Option ‘C’) from the Canada Revenue Agency for each adult member of your household. Full-time adult students are not required to submit a Notice of Assessment or Proof of Income. 
3.    If you are self-employed, provide your Canada Revenue Statement of Business or Rental Activities, as well as your personal income tax Notice of Assessment.

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.

What is household income?

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

How do I submit my application?

Currently, you may only submit your application via email or mail.

Please email your completed application form and attach a 2019 Notice of Assessment or Proof of Income Statement (Option 'C') for each adult member of your household to: AffordableAccess@halifax.ca.

OR

Please address the envelope as follows:

Halifax Regional Municipality
Attention: Revenue Department
Low Income Transit Pass Program
PO Box 1749
Halifax, NS Canada B3J 3A5

Is there anyone who can help me with my application?

If you require assistance with your application form, please call 311 for support via telephone. Customer Service Centres re-open on August 4, 2020. Applications are processed on a first-come first-served basis.

Is there a deadline for applications?

There is no deadline for applications. The program will remain open until filled.

How do I know if I have been accepted into the program?

Successful applicants will be notified of their status via mail within 2-3 weeks. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

If I am selected to participate in the program, how do I get my passes?

Successful applicants will receive a letter from the municipality within 2-3 weeks informing them that they are eligible to partake in the Low Income Transit Pass Program.

Passes are available for purchase on the 20th of each month (September passes are available August 20th for purchase. These are no longer available after September 10). Participants must bring a photo ID to one of the following Customer Service Centres to purchase their pass:

•    Bayers Road Centre
7071 Bayers Road
2nd Floor Towers
Halifax, NS  B3L 4P3
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Telephone: 311
Closed on statutory holidays.

•    Alderney Gate
40 Alderney Drive, 1st Floor
Dartmouth, NS  B2Y2N5
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Telephone: 311
Closed on statutory holidays

Please note: The Acadia and Scotia Square Mall Service Centres are permanently closed.

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, “inactive” participants (those who have not purchased a pass for six consecutive months) will be removed from the program. This will allow approved applicants on the wait list to enter the program. 

Is there a waiting list?

Completed applications continue to be accepted at municipal Customer Service Centres and successful applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Applicants will be notified via mail if or when passes become available.