City to Pilot a Reduced Monthly Bus Pass

Effective November 7, the City will begin a pilot program to offer an Affordability Rate monthly bus passes specifically designed for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works (OW) participants. This new rate will be available on a trial basis until transit fees are reviewed in 2024. 

Affordability Rate passes will be available for $55 at:

• City Hall (808 2^nd Ave. E.)
• Owen Sound Transit Terminal (1020 3^rd Ave. E.)
• Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library (824 1^st Ave. W.) 

To purchase an Affordability Rate pass, riders must provide a current ODSP or OW statement or verification letter as proof of income support during their monthly transit pass purchase. This reduced fare applies exclusively to monthly passes for both mobility transit and conventional transit users; regular rates apply to individual fare tickets on both transit services.  

Please be advised that The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound intends to adopt an amendment to Fees and Charges By-law No. 2023-080, in accordance with subsection 391(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, SO 2001, c. 25. 

The Fees and Charges By-law is being updated to include an adult pass fare reduction with proof of Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works. 

The meeting at which the by-law will be presented will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023 at City Hall, Council Chambers, 808 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H4. 

Notice is being provided in accordance with Notice By-law No. 2018-022. If the matter is postponed or considered at a subsequent Council meeting, no additional notice will be provided other than the information on the subsequent Council agenda. 

The document related to this amendment is available on the City’s website: Operations Committee Minutes – September 21, 2023. 

For more information, please contact Lara Widdifield, Director of Public Works & Engineering, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1201 or email lwiddifield@owensound.ca. 

Quote: 

"This pilot project will allow the City to assess the impacts of a fare reduction while supporting the transportation of individuals of all abilities and socio-economic status in Owen Sound. We thank the REACH Centre for attending the September Operations committee and requesting this fare reduction to support greater independence and community inclusion." 

-Mayor Ian Boddy 

Quick Facts: 

• The pilot program's affordability rate is for those eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works. 
• The City's transit system operates Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• More information on Owen Sound Transit can be found on the City's website. 

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