The Provincial Government today advised Income Support clients in the St. John’s metro area (St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise) that bus passes, including activation instructions, are in the mail and should be delivered in the coming days.
Initially slated to launch in April 2020, the pilot program was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Individuals in receipt of income support living in the metro St. John’s area who do not receive a bus pass in the mail by September 23, 2020 are asked to call 709-729-7888 or email aesl@gov.nl.ca.
The Provincial Government committed in 2019 to provide bus passes to approximately 10,000 income support clients in the metro St. John’s region by partnering with Metrobus and the City of St. John’s and is investing approximately $1.2 million in 2020-21 and a further $1.575 in fiscal year 2021-22. The program will be evaluated following the two-year period and this evaluation will inform future delivery.
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“Our government and its partners look forward to seeing the positive impact bus passes will have for individuals and families in the St. John’s metro area who receive income support. This innovative pilot project provides easier, more affordable access to everything St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise have to offer. People who receive income support in these communities gain better access to transportation to visit loved ones, participate in community events, attend medical appointments, further their education, and explore rejoining the workforce. I commend the City of St. John’s and Metrobus for their enthusiasm and hard work with the Province to make this initiative a reality.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour
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Media contact
Ryan Crocker
Immigration, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca