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As a part of the City of Guelph’s subsidy program, Guelph Transit offers the affordable bus pass to help you get around Guelph using public transportation. Adults, youths and seniors living in low-income households can apply any time for a one-year pass. Affordable bus passes must be renewed each year.
Prices
Tier A and B affordable bus pass customers are free as of February 1, 2025. If you use a Tier A or B affordable bus pass, and have money remaining on your card after February 1, 2025, please contact us if you’d like a refund.
Affordable bus pass customers in Tier C use the pay-as-you-go fare capping program. You load your OnYourWay fare card with as much money as you want, whenever you want. There’s no need to buy a monthly pass upfront. With the monthly fare cap, you pay for the first 33 single rides in a month, then tap and ride free for the rest of the month.
The Affordable Bus Pass program has three tiers which you qualify for based on your level of income under Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut Off (LICO). The monthly fees based on tiers are:
| Tier | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tier A and B | Free |
| Tier C | Adults: $1.17 per ride, up to a maximum of $37.44/month. Youth: $1 per ride, up to a maximum of $32/month. Seniors: $0.96 per ride, up to a maximum of $30.72/month |
Eligibility for each tier is based on the following Low-income cut-off (LICO) chart:
Which affordable bus pass do I qualify for?
| Family Size | Tier A | Tier B | Regular affordable Tier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 to 13,463 | $13,464 to 20,195 | $20,196 to 26,926 |
| 2 | $0 to 16,760 | $16,761 to 25,140 | $25,141 to 33,519 |
| 3 | $0 to 20,604 | $20,605 to 30,906 | $30,907 to 41,208 |
| 4 | $0 to 25,016 | $25,017 to 37,524 | $37,525 to 50,032 |
| 5 | $0 to 28,372 | $28,373 to 42,558 | $42,559 to 56,744 |
| 6 | $0 to 32,000 | $32,001 to 48,000 | $48,001 to 64,000 |
| 7+ | $0 to 35,627 | $35,628 to 53,441 | $53,442 to 71,254 |
Resources
- Affordable Bus Pass program policy
- Third party authorization
- Low-income cut-off, after tax (LICO-AT)
Frequently asked questions
Are University of Guelph students eligible for the program?
No. Full-time University of Guelph students receive a discounted pass through the U-Pass program included in their student fees.
Can I use my affordable bus pass for mobility transit service?
Yes. The affordable bus pass can be used on any of Guelph Transit’s buses (convention and mobility).
Where can I get a paper application form?
Paper applications are available at the following City locations:
- ServiceGuelph, City Hall (Note: Wait times are always shorter mid-month. Save yourself time by avoiding the end-of-month lineup.)
- Evergreen Seniors Community Centre
- West End Community Centre
- Guelph Transit administration office
You can get a fare card at the same locations once you have an approval letter.
How long does it take to process an application?
Two weeks, or ten business days.
I lost my fare card. What can I do?
Visit ServiceGuelph, inside City Hall, to buy a replacement card for $5.
If you visit a different City facility or a select retailer for a replacement card, you will have to contact Guelph Transit to change your new card to an affordable bus pass.
If your affordable bus pass is provided to you by a third-party organization or institution, like Ontario Works, and is funded for you, you will need to contact that organization to obtain a replacement card.
I have a Tier A or B affordable bus pass and have money on my account. Can I get a refund?
Yes. Refunds will be available until December 31, 2025.
Starting February 1, 2025, anyone with a Tier A or B affordable bus pass with a balance less than $50 can get a refund at Service Guelph inside City Hall. Note: ServiceGuelph is the only location able to issue refunds for those with a balance under $50.
We will contact you if you have a Tier A or B affordable bus pass with a balance greater than $50 to send you a refund cheque.
You can check your balance ahead by logging into your OnYourWay account to see how much money you have left over. You must pick up your refund with a valid ID. If you’re not sure you have everything you need to get a refund, feel free to call us.
I have a Tier A or B affordable bus pass. Now that it’s free do I have to load my pass each month?
No. You don’t have to do anything. When you get on the bus, you’ll still have to tap your card so we can track your rides. You’ll also have to renew your affordable bus pass each year, even if it’s free.
I have a Tier A or B affordable bus pass. When I tap my card on the bus the fare box says there’s a cash balance. What does that mean?
Because your bus pass is free, you no longer need to add money to your account. If the fare box says you have a cash balance, contact ServiceGuelph to inquire about getting a refund. When you tap your card, the balance should be $0.00. Even though there’s no money on your card, and you’re riding for free, you must tap your card when you get on the bus so we can track your rides.
For more information
Guelph Transit
170 Watson Road South, Guelph
519-822-1811
[email protected]
TTY: 519-826-9771
Fax: 519-822-1322
Agency inquiries: 519-822-1260 extension 2042