Winnipeg, MB – The new year will bring an expansion to the WINNpass program for eligible residents, with changes effective January 1, 2023, expected to benefit more low-income households.
Under the expanded program, youth who meet criteria will now be eligible for the WINNpass. And all WINNpass holders will now have the option to purchase e-cash for rides at a 50% discount on the full fare rate, in addition to the monthly passes already available with the same discount.
“We collected feedback from initial program participants, and some said a monthly pass didn’t meet their new travel needs,” said Councillor Janice Lukes, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works. “The new e-cash offering provides a more flexible option. We invite people who could benefit to apply for a WINNpass online, or in person at Winnipeg Transit Customer Service Centres.”
The WINNpass program has provided eligible adults with a discounted monthly pass since its launch in May 2020.
The expansion of the program follows through on recommendations in the Poverty Reduction Strategy and Winnipeg Transit Master Plan, both approved by Council in 2021. The Winnipeg Transit Master Plan recommended focusing fare discounts to individuals most in need, while the Poverty Reduction Strategy recommended exploring adding more fare products to the WINNpass program.
These changes build on others made to remove barriers to the WINNpass program and improve access to public transit. In September the program began accepting third-party referrals from partner agencies for applicants who were unable to provide supporting documents otherwise.
Low-income households who may benefit from discounted e-cash and/or youth eligibility are encouraged to apply for the WINNpass program.
Other fare changes coming in the new year
In addition to focused fare discounts, the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan recommended a simplified fare structure to ease confusion for customers deciding which fare product to purchase. A simplified fare structure also brings Winnipeg in line with transit services in other major Canadian cities, as most offer 4 or 5 different fare products.
The following fare changes will take effect January 1, 2023:
- Select e-pass fare products will no longer be available. Fare product options being eliminated account for 3-4 % of total fare sales and alternatives for those products will still be available.
- An annual inflationary increase will apply to all fares. The new cash rate in 2023 for adults will be $3.15.
Note: 2022 bus tickets (plus applicable cash difference) will be accepted until March 31, 2023.
A full list of fares is available on the Winnipeg Transit website.