Let New City Council Know That the Sliding Scale is Important to You!
We need your help in letting the new City of Calgary Council know why the Calgary Transit Sliding Scale is important to you! Let's work together to make sure all Calgarians have access to Affordable Transportation.
Why is it important to speak in support of the sliding scale?
The province of Alberta has provided $4.5 million of funding per year for three years towards the sliding scale; however, due to the overwhelming need for the sliding scale, the City of Calgary is projecting a $3 to $4 million shortfall. The new City Council will be reviewing the Calgary Transit Sliding Scale at the next budget adjustment meeting on November 27th, 2017 to explore ways to deal with the shortfall.
What are the benefits of the Sliding Scale?
The sliding scale...
What Can You Do?
On November 27th, 2017 at 9:30AM, come and talk to Calgary City Council at Council Chambers about why it's important to make sure all Calgarians can afford to ride transit.
Busy that day? No problem! Here are some other ways you can voice your support:
Why is it important to speak in support of the sliding scale?
The province of Alberta has provided $4.5 million of funding per year for three years towards the sliding scale; however, due to the overwhelming need for the sliding scale, the City of Calgary is projecting a $3 to $4 million shortfall. The new City Council will be reviewing the Calgary Transit Sliding Scale at the next budget adjustment meeting on November 27th, 2017 to explore ways to deal with the shortfall.
What are the benefits of the Sliding Scale?
The sliding scale...
- Gives all Calgarians the chance to take part in civic and community life
- Creates a more equal and inclusive city
- Frees up money to allow people to make more choices about how to spend their money on food, school or shelter
- Provides affordable monthly passes so all family members can travel together and enjoy the benefits of living in Calgary
- Improves the ability of Calgarians to find employment and travel to their job or volunteer opportunity
- Increases the ability for Calgarians to create and maintain strong relationships, which decreases social isolation and loneliness
- Helps people connect with their doctors, community workers and social service agencies
What Can You Do?
On November 27th, 2017 at 9:30AM, come and talk to Calgary City Council at Council Chambers about why it's important to make sure all Calgarians can afford to ride transit.
Busy that day? No problem! Here are some other ways you can voice your support:
- Call, email or write your City Councillor before November 24th, 2017 to let them know how the sliding scale has impacted your life or the lives of people you know. You can also send this colouring sheet along with your letter to:
The City of Calgary Councillors Offices (8001)
P.O. Box 2100, Station "M"
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 2M5
Tel: (403) 268-2430
Fax: (403) 269-8091/3823
P.O. Box 2100, Station "M"
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 2M5
Tel: (403) 268-2430
Fax: (403) 269-8091/3823
- Go to the city website and fill out the online form for your councillor.
- Call 311 to let city council know that you support the Calgary Transit Sliding Scale
- Take a picture of yourself in front of a transit stop and send a Tweet @cityofcalgary with the hashtag #slidingscale to let them know how affordable transit has impacted your life
Example completed colouring sheets: Affordable Transit Makes it Possible for Me to...
Calgary Transit Low Income Pass Information
The City of Calgary’s sliding scale fare structure for the Calgary Transit Low Income Monthly Pass helps eliminate financial barriers for low income Calgarians so they can more fully participate in the community.
FAQ
Income ranges for three bands by household size
How much will a pass cost?
A sliding scale fare system will introduce three price bands for the Low Income Monthly Transit Pass in 2017:
If someone is interested in how their income impacts where they may fit in a sliding scale, please ask them to contact 311 for agent to create a Fair Entry Service Request and a Fair Entry staff member will be in contact or email fairentry@calgary.ca.
When did sliding scale start?
The new fare structure started Monday, March 20, 2017 for April pass purchases.
Will existing Low Income Monthly pass Customers have to reapply?
Anyone who is currently qualified for the Low Income Monthly Pass program will have the new fare price automatically applied when they purchase their April Low Income Monthly Pass. They do not have to reapply.
How will people apply for a Transit Low Income Monthly Pass?
Fair Entry will remain the single point of entry for all subsidy programs, including anyone interested in the new sliding scale for Transit’s Low Income Monthly Pass.
Details on the current application can be found at calgary.ca/fairentry
What proofs of income are accepted by Fair Entry?
Fair Entry accepts the following proofs of income:
What if someone is interested in applying but has not filed their income tax?
Free clinics are available to help you file your taxes and access government benefits, such as the new Provincial Alberta Child benefit and GST rebates, to name a few. Filing your taxes can:
For more information about free tax clinics a person can contact 211 or Sunrise Community Link at 403-204-8287.
Who qualifies for sliding scale?
Customers approved for Fair Entry will be eligible to receive a discount based on a sliding scale. The income a customer earns will be assessed to determine the price they will pay for a Low Income Monthly Pass. The Fair Entry qualifications list outlines the proofs of income a customer can use to qualify. calgary.ca/fairentry
A sliding scale fare system will introduce three price bands for the Low Income Monthly Transit Pass in 2017:
- $5.05,
- $35.35 and
- $50.50.
If someone is interested in how their income impacts where they may fit in a sliding scale, please ask them to contact 311 for agent to create a Fair Entry Service Request and a Fair Entry staff member will be in contact or email fairentry@calgary.ca.
When did sliding scale start?
The new fare structure started Monday, March 20, 2017 for April pass purchases.
Will existing Low Income Monthly pass Customers have to reapply?
Anyone who is currently qualified for the Low Income Monthly Pass program will have the new fare price automatically applied when they purchase their April Low Income Monthly Pass. They do not have to reapply.
How will people apply for a Transit Low Income Monthly Pass?
Fair Entry will remain the single point of entry for all subsidy programs, including anyone interested in the new sliding scale for Transit’s Low Income Monthly Pass.
Details on the current application can be found at calgary.ca/fairentry
What proofs of income are accepted by Fair Entry?
Fair Entry accepts the following proofs of income:
- Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada;
- Assured Income for Severally Handicapped (AISH);
- Alberta Works;
- Resettlement Assistance Program (government sponsored refugees);
- A letter from a Registered Social Worker outlining that household income falls below the Low Income Cut Off; and
- Letters indicating a youth is independent (school principal, Guidance Counsellor or Alberta Children’s Services).
What if someone is interested in applying but has not filed their income tax?
Free clinics are available to help you file your taxes and access government benefits, such as the new Provincial Alberta Child benefit and GST rebates, to name a few. Filing your taxes can:
- Boost your income by connecting you to benefits and tax credits; and
- Help stabilize household finances.
For more information about free tax clinics a person can contact 211 or Sunrise Community Link at 403-204-8287.
Who qualifies for sliding scale?
Customers approved for Fair Entry will be eligible to receive a discount based on a sliding scale. The income a customer earns will be assessed to determine the price they will pay for a Low Income Monthly Pass. The Fair Entry qualifications list outlines the proofs of income a customer can use to qualify. calgary.ca/fairentry
What are the impacts to the Transit senior pass programs (both regular and low income)?
Both Transit senior programs remain separate from the Transit Low Income Monthly Pass program. Both programs have an annual pass and are not impacted by sliding scale.
A senior who is eligible for the Calgary Transit Access program may access the Low Income Monthly Pass program as Calgary Transit Access does not accept the Low-income Seniors Yearly Pass.
Both Transit senior programs remain separate from the Transit Low Income Monthly Pass program. Both programs have an annual pass and are not impacted by sliding scale.
A senior who is eligible for the Calgary Transit Access program may access the Low Income Monthly Pass program as Calgary Transit Access does not accept the Low-income Seniors Yearly Pass.
CAN Transportation Advocacy - Calgary Transit Low Income Pass
CAN Letter of Support for Sliding Scale
Calgary Transit Proposed Fair Structure Changes
Calgary Transit is proposing changes to the Fare Policy for Low Income Pass Holders. If you use a Seniors Low Income Pass, or an Adult Low Income Pass or are concerned for those who do, there is a Council Meeting to discuss this policy Friday July 18th at 9:30am at Old City Hall. Members of the public who wish to address Council on this subject are invited to attend! For more information you can go to to the Fare Fairs Blog at http://fairfarescalgary1.blogspot.ca/.
