Community and Access passes
New in 2017:
- The Community Pass is only available to ODSP recipients; holders of this pass no longer need to pay a top-up at any time aboard Para Transpo
- A new Access pass for other Para Transpo customers is available at the cost of the Community pass and offers unlimited travel on conventional buses and the O-Train, and 1/3 discount on the Para Transpo cash fare per trip (see below for more information)
Prices effective Jan. 1, 2017
Per month
| Presto monthly Community Pass | $ |
|---|---|
| Monthly paper Community Pass | |
| Presto monthly Access Pass | $ |
Other prices
| Presto card | $ |
|---|---|
| OC Transpo Photo ID | $ |
On Para Transpo trips, Access Pass holders need to pay a fare top-up of $ cash or 2 bus tickets.
Community Pass Changes
Previously, the Community pass was available to either Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients or Para Transpo customers. However, as of January 2017 the Community pass is available only to customers who are ODSP recipients.
New Community Pass eligibility criteria
In order take advantage of Community discount, you need to:
- Receive benefits under the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Reside in Ottawa
Access Pass
In January 2017, the Access pass was introduced as a discounted pass option for Para Transpo customers. The pass offers full fare on OC Transpo bus and train services, and a one third discount from the single-ride fare for trips on Para Transpo. The Access pass is the same price as the Community Pass and can offer savings for Para Transpo customers who also ride OC Transpo bus and train service. If you are a Para Transpo customer who never uses OC Transpo bus and train service, you should not purchase the Access pass as it will not offer any savings.
Access Pass eligibility
In order take advantage of Access discount, you need to be:
- A registered Para Transpo customer
- An Ottawa resident
Helpful tips for customers
If you are a Para Transpo customer who uses a combination of OC Transpo bus and train services and Para Transpo service, or only uses OC Transpo bus and train services in certain months (e.g. during summer months), then the Access pass could be a good option for you. Whether the Access pass offers savings depends on your travel choices each month. Here are some helpful tips:
- If you make 34 or more trips per month on Para Transpo, then an Adult monthly pass is the best option for you.
- If you make less than 32 trips per month on Para Transpo and 13 or more trips per month on OC Transpo bus and train service, then the Access pass is the best option for you.
Remember, do not purchase an Access pass through ParaPay, as no physical pass is provided for use on OC Transpo buses and trains. Instead, purchase your Access pass on a Presto card and set your discount at an OC Transpo Customer Service Centre.
How to use PRESTO
Learn how to load money onto your PRESTO card, register your card, and use your card to ride transit.
Getting your Community or Access Pass set up
- Fill in the appropriate pass application form:
- Bring your completed application to an OC Transpo Customer Service Centre along with the following documents:
| Community Pass applicants | Access Pass applicants |
|---|---|
|
|
Don’t let your discount expire!
To make sure you don't lose your discount, bring the following documents with you to a Customer Service Centre anytime before the expiration date to renew your Community Pass eligibility:
- Completed Community Pass application form
- Current ODSP document that includes your name and member number, e.g. an ODSP benefit cheque stub or dental card (photocopies accepted)
- Valid photo identification, such as an age of majority card, workplace or volunteer ID card, driver’s licence or passport
- Your PRESTO card
Riding Para Transpo with an Access or Community Pass
Required top-ups
Access Pass holders need to pay a top-up to ride Para Transpo:
|
Tickets |
Cash |
|
|---|---|---|
| Regular (urban) fare zone | 2 | $ |
In the rural zone, both Community and Access pass holders must pay a flat-rate of $ or 6 tickets.
Using your Presto card on Para Transpo
Because Para Transpo vehicles do not have PRESTO card readers, you will need to show proof that you have bought your monthly pass with your Presto card when you board. You will not be able to use your Presto e-purse to pay for your top-up.
Paper passes
You need to have a Community Photo ID card to buy or use a paper Community Pass. Photo ID cards cost $ and are only available from OC Transpo Customer Service Centres. The card looks like any other adult Photo ID card but it has a special code to let OC Transpo employees know you are entitled to the discount.
You can pay for your pass with cash, debit card, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. You can ask someone else to buy your monthly pass for you but he or she will need to show your Community Pass photo ID card at the time of purchase.
Paper community passes are available each month (usually on the 20th day) from the following locations:
OC Transpo Customer Service Centres
- Rideau Centre
- St-Laurent Station
- Lincoln Fields Station
- Place d'Orléans Station
ServiceOttawa Client Service Centres
- Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W.
- Orléans, 255 Centrum Blvd.
- Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Dr.
- Kanata, 580 Terry Fox Drive.
Ottawa Public Library branches
- Beaverbrook (John G. Mlacak Centre, 2500 Campeau Drive, Kanata
- Centennial, 3870 Old Richmond Road, Nepean
- Elmvale Acres (Elmvale Acres Mall), 1910 St. Laurent Blvd.
- Greenboro District, 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive
- Hazeldean, 50 Castlefrank Road, Kanata
- Rosemount, 18 Rosemount Avenue
- Ruth E. Dickinson (Walter Baker Centre), 100 Malvern Dr., Barrhaven
- St-Laurent (Don Gamble Community Centre), 515 Coté Street
- Vanier, 310 Pères Blancs
- Carlingwood, 281 Woodroffe Ave.
- Sunnyside, 1049 Bank Street
- Cumberland, 1599 Tenth Line Rd.
Contact PRESTO
To buy, charge or register your card!
Get your pass early
You can buy or load your monthly transit pass up to 14 days before the start of the month.
Transit is a shared space
and everyone is entitled to a safe and harassment-free ride.