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The Ride Transit Program provides greater access to transit for individuals and families in Edmonton. Through a partnership with the Government of Alberta, this program offers a reduced-cost Arc card to eligible low-income Edmontonians.
If you are a first-time applicant, please visit New Applications for more information.
Please note that Ride Transit Arc cards are non-transferable and intended for use only by the eligible Ride transit participant.
Plan to arrive before 3pm to submit your application in person at the Edmonton Service Centre. Staff may end the queue early to ensure everyone is helped during business hours.
With Arc, instead of paying a monthly rate upfront, participants pay for transit as they use it. You can load as little as $4 or as much you need.
Once you reach a daily cap ($10.25) or the monthly Ride Transit fare cap ($35 or $50, depending on your eligibility), you can ride transit for free for the rest of that day or month.
Ride Transit Program participants are encouraged to pick up an Arc information package, which includes 1 free Arc card.
To pay your fare with Arc, participants will need an Arc card and an Arc account with a Ride Transit fare profile.
Arc is convenient, you can add funds to your Arc account online at myArc.ca, at an Arc vending machine, at a participating Arc retailer, at the Edmonton Service Centre, or by calling the Arc call centre at 1-888-302-0001.
Arc accepts payment by credit cards, debit cards and cash.
If you do not have an existing membership in the Leisure Access Program or the Ride Transit Program, fill out the Application Form .
The approval processing time depends on the varying number of applications received each day, but typical wait times are approximately 6-8 weeks. Once your application is processed, you will be sent a letter in the mail to the address listed on your application. This letter will detail all of your benefits and how to access them.
Conditional approval of the Ride Transit Program is only offered at the Edmonton Service Centre. Conditional approvals are offered only at the time of completed application submission. The completed application:
If you or your spouse have left Ukraine through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program and arrived in Canada within the last year, you are eligible for the Ride Transit Program and the Leisure Access Program. Some restrictions apply.
For more information on applying for these programs (even if you are only interested in the Ride Transit Program), please visit the Leisure Access Program page. All applicants who apply for the Leisure Access or Ride Transit programs are automatically assessed for both programs.
Completed applications can be sent by mail:
Leisure Access & Ride Transit Program
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, AB, T5J 2R7
Faxed or e-mailed forms are not accepted. In-person submissions are allowed, but applications cannot be reviewed immediately.
The fastest way to have your completed application reviewed is by dropping off your application at Edmonton Tower, 2nd floor, mail slot near the ETS Lost and Found:
Edmonton Tower, 2nd Floor
10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB, T5J 0J4
The Ride Transit Program and the Leisure Access Program use the Canada Revenue Agency’s Annual Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures to assess applicants.
If your total household income (up to 2 married or common-law partners and your dependent children aged 17 and under) is at or less than the low-income cut-offs (LICO) figures + 10%, you will qualify for a $35 monthly Arc card. You may also qualify for a $35 monthly Arc card if you meet 1 or more of the following eligibility criteria:
If your household income is between 10% and 25% above the LICO figures, you may qualify for a $50 monthly Arc card.
Leisure Access & Ride Transit Program Application Information and Form.
| People in Household | Household Income ($35 monthly cap) | Household Income ($50 monthly cap) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,579 | $33,580 - $38,158 |
| 2 | $41,803 | $41,804 - $47,504 |
| 3 | $51,392 | $51,393 - $58,400 |
| 4 | $62,396 | $62,397 - $70,905 |
| 5 | $70,770 | $70,771 - $80,420 |
| 6 | $79,816 | $79,817 - $90,700 |
| 7 | $88,864 | $88,865 - $100,981 |
The application and renewal process is the same and you will automatically be considered for both programs. Please note that even if you qualify for LAP, you are not eligible for the Ride Transit Program if you are:
Residents who want to apply for the Leisure Access Pass or ETS Ride Transit Program can apply for both programs with one application.
It is optional for participants to use the recreation facilities and attractions offered by joining the programs. There is no charge for the Leisure Access membership. Ride Transit and Leisure Access are 2 separate programs that share the same application process. Together, they offer eligible Edmontonians a range of benefits.
Please note that your Leisure Access membership card or government-issued photo ID is required to purchase a reduced rate Arc card of $35 or $50 and your recreation membership card is the best ID to use.
Newcomers to Canada can provide a copy of confirmation of Permanent Residence or Refugee protection claimant document as long as arrival dates are within 1 year for each person applying.