Niagara Transit Benefit Pass

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 either be receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) support, or qualify as a low-income individual or household.

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

OW and ODSP Recipients

OW and ODSP recipients automatically qualify for the Niagara Transit Benefit Pass starting July 1, 2025.

• 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 Casemanager if they cannot access it online through MyBenefits.

Low Income

If you're not receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability, you will need to:

• Complete an application to determine financial eligibility.
• Provide one piece of ID, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, health card, or citizenship document, for all members of the household.
• Provide proof of Income such as bank statements, pay stubs, pension stubs, etc.

Apply online for transit benefits at owbenefits.niagararegion.ca

Other ways to apply

• Call 905-641-9960 ext. 6072
• Fax your application to 905-984-6759
• Mail your application to the Ontario Works Discretionary Benefit Team at 234 Bunting Rd., St. Catharines, L2R 6Z4

After submitting your application, a staff member will contact you to review it.

Applications for financial assistance must be approved by Niagara Region before purchasing a transit pass.  Requests for reimbursement for transit passes which have already been purchased are not an eligible item.

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

Contact Us

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