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Local subsidy program makes transit affordable

Red Deer Action Group’s subsidy program continues to reduce the cost of transportation for low-income residents in Red Deer and Sylvan Lake.
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Red Deer resident Caroline Riley uses Red Deer Action Group’s subsidy program to reduce the cost of Greyhound bus fares

Red Deer Action Group’s subsidy program continues to reduce the cost of transportation for low-income residents in Red Deer and Sylvan Lake.

In the last three years, the group has reimbursed $30,000 to people to help reduce the cost of bus passes or taxi fares by 25 per cent. People can also receive 10 cents per kilometre if they are a passenger in a vehicle or drive.

People who qualify, based on tax returns, AISH eligibility or referral from community agencies, can be reimbursed up to $250 per year.

“It’s travel by any mode. It can be anywhere in Alberta. We’ve had people who visit family at Christmas time. They go on the Greyhound. They come back and get their ticket reimbursed for 25 per cent,” said Sharon Freeman, office co-ordinator with the Action Group.

“We have people who have to go to Edmonton or Calgary for medical appointments.”

The subsidy program helps people who fall through the cracks, she said.

Red Deer Action Group is sponsored by Red Deer Kinsmen, Red Deer and District Community Foundation, Town of Sylvan Lake, a Community Spirit Donation Grant program, the Philippine-Canadian Association of Red Deer and District, and private donations.

For more information, visit www.rdactiongroup.ca.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com

— copyright Red Deer Advocate