Save Money on Your Transit Pass Starting July 1st

June 29, 2006

CALGARY - Calgary Northeast M.P. Art Hanger today reminded transit users in Calgary to save their receipts because, starting July 1st, they will be able to save up to $131 annually on the cost of a monthly transit pass.

Effective July 1st, Canada’s new government will provide a non-refundable tax credit on the cost of transit passes. As a result, transit users who spend $80 per month on transit passes could save up to $75 this year and up to $150 next year. Transit users are also able to claim expenses on behalf of their spouses and dependents.

“The transit pass credit will get people out of their cars and onto public transit,” said Hanger. “Transportation is one of the leading causes of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing public transit usage will also help to cut greenhouse gas emissions and will improve air quality in our cities.”

Unlike the Liberals, Stephen Harper is taking action. Canada’s new government is investing up to $1.3 billion to strengthen the country’s public transit and infrastructure.

“Renewal and expansion of public transit will play a critical part in sustaining healthy growth in our cities and reducing the production of greenhouse gases,” said Hanger.

Transit Facts

• About 2.3 million Canadians aged 55 and over rely on public transit for activities like running errands, visiting friends and getting to medical appointments.

• The average urban Canadian takes 75 transit trips a year.

• In cities such as Calgary and Winnipeg, between 60 and 75 per cent of adults used public transit at least once per year.

• More than 200,000 Canadians are registered users of specialized transit for the disabled.

• The average round-trip fare on Canadian public transit is roughly $3.50-$4.00.