Niagara Transit Benefit Pass

Program Timeline

Applications Open: June 16, 2025
Program Launch: July 1, 2025

Niagara Transit Benefit Pass Program

The Niagara Transit Benefit Pass Program is a partnership between Niagara Region and Niagara Transit, offering a discounted monthly bus pass for $50. It is available to individuals and families on Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program benefits, or who qualify based on low-income criteria.

To be eligible:

• you must be a Niagara resident
• you must be 18 years of age or older
• you must either be receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) support, or meet the income threshold based on the 2022 Statistics Canada Low Income Measure (LIM)

Full-time post-secondary students are not eligible for the Transit Benefit Pass.

Income Eligibility

The Transit Benefit Pass Program uses the 2022 Statistics Canada Low Income Measure (LIM) to determine eligibility.

To calculate the annual net income: Take the monthly net income for all adult family members, including dependent adults in the benefit unit, and multiply by twelve. Child Tax Benefit is not included in the calculation for net income. To be eligible, total household income must be lower than the after-tax income threshold.

OW and ODSP Recipients

OW and ODSP recipients automatically qualify for the Niagara Transit Benefit Pass.

• Recipients must provide proof of eligibility for provincial benefits through their monthly payment statement, which is sent by mail or available online through MyBenefits.

• OW clients may also request a proof of eligibility letter from their case manager if they cannot access it online through MyBenefits. 

Low-Income Applicants

Complete the application on the Transit Benefit Pass Portal and upload ID & income verification documents for all household members aged 18+.

The portal will open on June 16, 2025.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following information for all members of the household: 

• Identification: Birth Certificate, Driver’s Licence, Health Card, or citizenship document
• Proof of Income: Pay stubs, bank statements, or income statements

Once eligibility has been determined, the Transit Benefit Pass Approval Form will be provided to the applicant for each eligible family member. Applicants must provide the approval form to Niagara Transit when purchasing their transit pass.

Option A: Use The Transit App

1. Get verified in person at a Niagara Transit terminal.
   See terminal locations.
2. Present both of the following:
   • A valid ID, and
   • Either your OW/ODSP Benefit Statement or your Transit Benefit Pass Approval Form
3. Provide your unique email address
4. Once we confirm your documents, we will add an entitlement to your Transit app account that allows you to buy the $50 monthly Transit Benefit Pass in the app each month for one year.

The applicant is responsible for the cost of the Transit Benefit Pass, which will not be available in the Transit app until that month's payment has been made.

Option B: Buy a Physical Transit Pass

1. Get verified in person at a Niagara Transit terminal.
   See terminal locations.
2. Present both of the following:
   • A valid ID, and
   • Either your OW/ODSP Benefit Statement or your Transit Benefit Pass Approval Form
3. Purchase the $50 monthly pass on site.

Only the verified individual can purchase the pass in person. Customers must bring accepted verification documents and a valid ID for each purchase. Please come prepared with all of the necessary documentation and ID, and be ready to pay for your Transit Benefit Pass at the time of your verification.

Accepted verification documents along with Identification:

• OW or ODSP: Recent benefit statement or proof of enrollment
• Low-Income Threshold: Approved letter issued by Niagara Region’s Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities office

Valid Forms of Identification:

• Birth certificate
• Driver’s licence
• Health card
• Citizenship document

For assistance, please email info@niagaratransit.ca or call 1-833-678-5463