Ontario

Waterloo

Affordable Transit Program

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Affordable Transit Program (ATP) offers a 50 percent discount on the price of Grand River Transit (GRT) fare products. ATP is open to anyone in Waterloo Region living with low income.

If approved, all members of your household can purchase the discounted fare products. This includes all children 17 or younger.

ATP replaces the Transit for Reduced Income Program (TRIP).

You may be eligible for Affordable Transit Program if:

  • You are 18 or older
  • You live in the Region of Waterloo
  • You are not a full-time college or university student
  • Your household income is below the income limit

A household can include a single person living alone, or a partner, child, parent or grandparent living with you for financial support.

Eligibility for the ATP is managed by the Region of Waterloo Department of Community Services.If you have questions about your your eligibility, please contact Community Service Welcome Spaces at 519-883-2100 ext. 3 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m).

Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.

Required application documents:

Here’s what you’ll need to submit your application:

If you receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support:

Date of birth SAMS Member ID OR Social Insurance Number

__If you are a former student: __

If you were a student in the last calendar year, you will need to provide proof of completion/graduation documents. If you are not receiving OW or ODSP, you’ll need to provide proof of address and proof of income.

Proof of address – one of the following:

  • Valid driver's licence
  • Ontario photo ID card
  • Government issued mail
  • Current utility bill
  • Rent receipt or lease
  • Mortgage document

Proof of income – one of the following, for each income-earning member of your household:

  • Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment: your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency that shows your income on line 23600. This is the document that the CRA sent you after they received your tax summary; it verifies your net income.
  • CRA Proof of income statement (Option C)
  • Letter from Registered Social Worker

If you are new to Canada in the current calendar year, you can submit one of the following:

  • PR or citizenship card
  • Refugee protection document
  • Verification of claim
  • Work permit
  • Confirmation of permanent residence

If you were a student in the last calendar year, you will need to provide proof of completion/graduation documents.

You can submit your supporting documents by uploading a copy of the documents during the application process, or emailing a copy to [email protected]. Put your application reference number as the subject line.

You can apply for the Affordable Transit Program online. Complete online form, upload additional documents. Once you have submitted the form you will receive a confirmation email/message/call.

If you receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support, you will need:

  • Date of birth
  • Member ID or Social Insurance Number

If you’re not receiving Ontario Works, ODSP or childcare subsidy, you will need:

  • A proof of address that shows you live in the Waterloo Region
  • A proof of income (a document that shows your total income after taxes).

If you receive subsidized childcare, you will need:

  • Date of birth
  • Address

If you have questions while completing the ATP application, call 519-883-2100 ext. 3. Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.

If you need assistance to complete the ATP application, you can also visit one of the Community Service Welcome Centres.

  • 99 Regina St. S., Waterloo
  • 20 Weber St. E., Kitchener
  • 150 Main St., Cambridge

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Last reviewed: September 3, 2026