EquiPass

Eligibility

The EquiPass is available to people who have a family income below the low income threshold. The threshold is set by the Government of Canada and is subject to change. In 2023, the 2021 threshold is used to determine eligibility. It has been set at:

Your income is based on the Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment (NOA). To find out if you qualify, look at the NOA for your income taxes.

If you don’t have a Notice of Assessment, other documentation can be included in your application instead. For example, if you’re a newcomer to Canada or have never filed income tax, you can still apply for an EquiPass.

If you have questions about whether you are eligible or what documentation is required, e-mail OC Transpo at Equipass@ottawa.ca or contact us.

You should not apply for an EquiPass if:

• You receive Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits or are 65 or older—the Community pass and Senior pass cost less than the EquiPass.
• You receive transportation benefits from Social Services (including Ontario Works)—you can apply for an EquiPass when those benefits have been completed.

Three Steps to Get an EquiPass

Step 1 - Apply

Application forms must be filled out and submitted for processing. You can get an EquiPass application form:

• Online application form download
• By mail – contact us to request a copy
• In person at various locations across Ottawa:
  • OC Transpo Customer Service Centres
  • City of Ottawa Client Service Centres
  • City of Ottawa Community and Social Support Centres

You can only submit your application:

• By fax at 613-746-7648
• In person at an OC Transpo Customer Service Centre, City of Ottawa Client Service Centre or Community and Social Support Centre
• By mail to:
  OC Transpo
  Attn: EquiPass Applications
  925 Belfast Road
  Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z4

You’ll receive a letter advising you of the status of your application within approximately 30 business days of submitting.

Step 2 - Set Your Discount

If you are applying for the Presto discount for the first time, a new Presto card with the EquiPass discount will be sent to you at no charge and you will be required to register the Presto card within 30 days of receipt.

If you are renewing your EquiPass discount, please provide the Presto card number registered in your name, and the EquiPass discount will be set up for you remotely. If your current Presto card has been lost, you will need to purchase a new unregistered Presto card for $6 (minimum funds load may be required, depending on location) and transfer your old card information, including registration, to the new card prior to applying and ensure the new Presto card number is on your application so that the discount can be set remotely.

The EquiPass is not transferable and can only be used by the approved customer.

Step 3 - Buy

Purchase your monthly pass or load money on your e-purse:

• At an OC Transpo Ticket Machine, at a Shoppers Drug Mart / Loblaws / Real Canadian Superstore
• Online at prestocard.ca, or by phone at 1-877-378-6123 (TTY 7-1-1)
• Download the official Presto app (Android, Apple) for a simple, easy way to manage and instantly load your card on the go
• In person at an OC Transpo Customer Service Centre, or select City of Ottawa Client Service Centres
• For Para Transpo customers, using ParaPay

You can also set up an AutoRenew contract, where your EquiPass will load automatically each month. More information on AutoRenew is available on prestocard.ca. Keep in mind that your AutoRenew contract will automatically cancel when your EquiPass discount expires.

Things to Remember

Expiry

• Your EquiPass discount will have an expiry date, which will be listed in the approval letter. You can also check the date online on your Presto account, or in person at an OC Transpo Customer Service Centre.
• You’ll need to reapply for the EquiPass before it expires in order to continue using it.

Approval Times

• There may be extended approval times at the launch of the program, depending on the number of applications received.
• OC Transpo will ensure that all customers who qualify receive their discount based on the date the application is received.
• If you haven’t heard within 30 business days of applying for the EquiPass, you can check on the status of your application by emailing OC Transpo at Equipass@ottawa.ca, or by contacting Customer Service.