Affordable bus pass

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.

Apply for an affordable bus passRegister your blank fare card

Prices

Starting April 1, 2022, a new one-year Sliding Scale Affordable Bus Pass pilot program will begin, addressing barriers for Guelph residents living on a low income.

In 2021, Council approved a three-tier approach to the pilot, which applicants qualify for based on their level of income under LICO (Low Income Cut Off). The monthly fees based on tiers are:

  • Tier A: $4
  • Tier B: $20
  • Tier C: $31-$37.50 (depending on age). Tier C is the same as current Affordable Bus Pass rates

Eligibility for each tier is based on the following LICO chart:

Table 1 – Tiers by Income Range

Family Size Tier A (0-50% of LICO) Tier B (50-75% of LICO) Current (75-100% of LICO)
1 0 – $11,848 $11,848 – $17,772 $17,772 – $23,696
2 0 – $14,749 $14,749 – $22,124 $22,124 – $29,498
3 0 – $18,133 $18,133 – $27,199 $27,199 – $36,265
4 0 – $22,016 $22,016 – $33,023 $33,023 – $44,031
5 0 – $24,969 $24,969 – $37,454 $37,454 – $49,938
6 0 – $28,116 $28,116 – $42,174 $42,174 – $56,323
7+ 0 – $31,354 $31,354 – $47,030 $47,030 – $62,707

Resources

For more information

Agency inquiries: 519-822-1260 extension 2042
TTY (Teletype for deaf): 519-826-9771
General inquiries: 519-837-5618

Full time University of Guelph students cannot apply because they receive a discounted pass through the U-Pass program included in their student fees.

Yes. The affordable bus pass can be used on any of Guelph Transit’s buses (convention and mobility).

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.

Two weeks, or ten business days.

Visit a City facility to get a replacement OnYourWay fare card. It will cost $5.