Alberta will continue to fund low-income transit pass program [Video]

A day after Calgary’s mayor called the Alberta government’s decision to pull its funding for the low-income transit pass program “cruel,” the province is reversing its decision.

The cities of Calgary and Edmonton were informed earlier this week that an annual provincial grant to help cover some of its transit subsidy program would be discontinued.

In Calgary, the amount was $6.2 million yearly.

“Following conversations with the two largest cities, it is clear that the cities are not able to pay for their full programs at this time,” Jason Nixon, the minister of seniors, community and social services, said in a statement.

“As a result, Alberta’s government will continue to extend this funding to the cities and work with them to ensure their low-income transit program continues to be funded in the future.”