Starting August 1, 2023, the Fee Assistance Program from the City of Lethbridge will expand to incorporate the existing Refugee Bus Pass program and Access-A-Ride options. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Additions announced for Fee Assistance Program in Lethbridge

Jul 24, 2023 | 11:26 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Fee Assistance Program from the City of Lethbridge is set to expand again.

The program aims at helping residents facing financial barriers and was first launched in 2015 to provide families and individuals with access to recreational and cultural programming.

An expansion to incorporate bus passes into the program was announced in May.

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge expands Fee Assistance Program

Beginning August 1, 2023, the program will expand once again, this time to incorporate the existing Refugee Bus Pass program and Access-A-Ride options.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

READ MORE: Refugee Bus Pass Support Program extended in Lethbridge

The City of Lethbridge explained that residents with refugee status will now apply to the Fee Assistance Program to get 2/3 of their transit fare covered. Like other participants of the program, refugees will pay for the first month of their bus pass and receive the next two months free. Officials noted that participants will need prior approval to be eligible for the program, which can be done online or by contacting the City of Lethbridge Fee Assistance team at feeassistannce@lethbridge.ca.

ACCESS-A-RIDE

Alongside the implementation of the new fare system for Lethbridge Transit comes the opportunity to add Access-A-Ride (AAR) trips to the services covered in the Fee Assistance Program.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Transit introduces new fare collection system

AAR provides safe and accessible door-to-door transportation for individuals who cannot access regular transit services. There are three different payment options available for low, middle and high AAR users.

People applying or re-applying for a bus pass or AAR trips through the Fee Assistance Program have to use the online application process or call 311. They cannot reload cards using the LT Fare app.

WELL USED SERVICE

Officials noted that from January 1 to October 31, 2023, the Fee Assistance Program awarded 706 applications, which helped 1,615 Lethbridge residents ranging in age from infants to 83-years-old.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.