Low-Income Bus Pass programs
2026 Rate & Fee Changes Effective July 1, 2026
In November 2025, City Council approved a non-uniform transit fare rate increase for 2026 and 2027. The first fare change will take effect on July 1, 2026, with a second increase scheduled for January 1, 2027.
These changes support continued transit service and help address rising costs while maintaining affordability for equity-based fare products.
What are the 2026 changes?
- No increase to Low-Income and Discounted Social Service Passes; current rates maintained
- Free fare for Children in Grades 8 and under remains unchanged
Rate Schedule Effective July 1, 2026:
| Category | Fare Product |
Current Rate |
New Rate |
| Monthly Pass | Adult Low-Income Pass Active entitlement required |
$66.40 |
$66.40 |
| High School Low-Income Pass Active entitlement required |
$47.20 |
$47.20 |
|
| Activation Fee | New Reloadable Pass Card |
$5.00 |
$5.00 |
For new rates and more information, visit Fares & Passes
New Reloadable Smart Cards Now Available
New cards integrate with the current Masabi mobile ticketing platform, allowing riders to tap their new card or device on the same validator. Cash will continue to be accepted onboard.
What’s New
- Reloadable smart cards (Adult, Senior, High School)
- Mobile tickets and new reloadable smart cards will be scanned on the mobile ticketing validator
- $5 activation fee waived when exchanging existing cards
Exchange Existing Smart Cards
Customers can exchange current smart cards for a new reloadable smart card starting March 20. Current cards will be phased out by August 31, 2026, and must be scanned on the existing fare box until exchanged.
Existing card balance transfers need to be completed at the Transit Customer Service Centre.
Where to Get a New Card
Customers can exchange, purchase, or reload a new reloadable smart card at:
Why Make the Switch?
- One system for all fare types
- Eliminate the need for multiple validators
- Improve how customers purchase, manage, and use their fare products
- Future-ready transit technology to support future payment options
Low-Income Saskatoon residents can purchase a monthly bus pass at a reduced rate. The discounted rates are:
- High School Pass $47.20
- Adult Pass $66.40
You are accepted to the program for one year at a time. If you would still benefit from the Low-Income Bus Pass program at the end of that time, you will need to requalify.
Click here for information on the Low-income Leisure Card Program.
Qualification
- You are eligible for this program if your household income was less than the amounts in the chart below on your last year's Income Tax Notice of Assessment.
Look at your last year’s Income Tax Notice of Assessment. This is the only tool used to qualify you for the program.
| # in the Household | Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,926 |
| 2 | $28,540 |
| 3 | $35,087 |
| 4 | $42,600 |
| 5 | $48,315 |
| 6 | $54,493 |
| 7 | $60,670 |
How to Apply
Leisure Access Card Pass and Bus Pass Programs (subsidized by the City of Saskatoon)
- Fill out the online application here, you will receive an email confirmation once your application has been submitted.
- If you don't have access to a computer please either use the printable version or pick up a paper copy at any of the indoor leisure cenres or the Transit Customer Service Centre.
- Include copies of your last year's Notice of Assessment(s) from Canada Revenue Agency and a copy of a utility bill with your current address on it.
- Mail your completed application to:
Community Development
3130 Laurier Drive
Saskatoon SK S7L 5J7 - Once the form is returned to you:
- Take the completed form to Saskatoon Transit, Customer Services Centre, 226 - 23rd Street East (in the Downtown Bus Terminal) to purchase a reduced price bus pass.
- To obtain a LeisureCard, take the completed application form to a Leisure Centre.
Note: Applicants will be notified by email regarding the status of their application within three to four weeks of applying.