Halifax Transit's low-income pilot program starts today

Halifax Transit starts accepting applications forhalf-price monthly passes on Mondaymorning as part of a six-month pilot program.

There are 500 discounted passesavailable undertheLow-Income Transit Pass Pilot Program. Applications for the passes will be accepted until July 15, and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible, you must:

• Live in the Halifax Regional Municipality
• Have a combined gross household income of $33,000 or less
• Not be receiving discounts on transit from other agencies

You can get the application online, but must submit it in person at one of Halifax Transit's customer service centres. Halifax Transit will report back to council once the pilot is complete, and council will decide if it wants to continue the program.

"This is the first year we have offered them. So we're waiting to seewhat the pick-up will be," said Tiffany Chase, a spokesperson for the municipality.

"But we do expect there will be significant interest."

Those accepted will pay $39 for a regular monthly pass instead of $78. It cuts MetroLink to $47.25 and MetroX to $55.50.

Successful applicants forthe passes will be notified in August.