The Transit Support Person program is designed for people who require assistance using transit to get to their destination. The support person providing assistance will not pay a fare on GRT's conventional or specialized services.

Any customer who requires support can apply for the support person program.  

Eligibility for the Transit Support Person program

The program is open to anyone who, due to a disability, cannot travel independently on conventional or specialized transit service. The support person can be a family member, friend, paid attendant or volunteer - anyone who travels with you to assist you in using transit.

Customers applying for the Transit Support Person program who are currently enrolled in the PAL Program through the City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo or City of Cambridge, will not need to have their health care professional complete their application. Provide your PAL Program card number on your application.

On door-to-door MobilityPLUS service, all infants/children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or support person; children 12 years of age or younger are not permitted to travel alone on MobilityPLUS.

Applying for the Transit Support Person program

Complete the application form. You may:

  • Complete the online application
  • Call Customer Service at 519-585-7555 to have a form mailed to you.
  • Pick up a form in person at the Customer Service Centre (105 King St. E., Kitchener) or Ainslie Street Terminal.

If you are currently enrolled in the PAL Program, you can provide your PAL card number on your application, you do not have to have your health care professional fill our your application.

If you are not enrolled in the PAL program, the application should be completed by a health care professional with one of the following designations:

  • Licensed physician
  • Registered nurse practitioner
  • Registered nurse
  • Certified psychologist/psychiatrist
  • Licensed physiotherapist
  • Registered occupational therapist
  • Licensed optometrist/ophthalmologist
  • Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
  • Developmental Services Resource Centre Service Coordinator
  • CCAC Care Coordinator
  • Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Any fees charged by a health care professional will not be reimbursed by GRT.

Submit the completed form to Grand River Transit, 250 Strasburg Rd, Kitchener ON N2E 3M6. Fax: 519-744-2899 

Using the Transit Support Person program on MobilityPLUS

When you book a trip and plan to travel with a transit support person, inform the reservationist when you call, or add additional passengers and select Approved Support Person when you book your trip online. A MobilityPLUS drivers’ daily itinerary indicates when a customer is travelling with a support person.

Using the Transit Support Person program on GRT buses and ION trains 

You will need an EasyGO fare card.

GRT will add an ‘electronic flag’ to the card to indicate you are approved for the Transit Support Person Program.

When you tap your fare card to pay your fare the operator will see that you are approved to travel with a support person. If you already have an EasyGO fare card, please call customer service at the number below so we can add this flag to your existing card.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I have a PLUSone card issued by GRT. Do I need it to travel with a support person?
Grand River Transit previously printed specific cards for customers approved to travel with a support person (PLUSone). These cards are no longer required for travel, but are still in circulation. They'll be phased out over the next two years. 
2. I lost my EasyGO fare card, what do I do?

If your card was lost, stolen or is damaged, visit GRT customer service to have a new card issued. There will be a $5 replacement fee.
3. I already have a MobilityPLUS ID card, can I just use that on conventional transit?

On conventional transit, the Transit Support Person program requires an EasyGO fare card with the program enabled. When tapped on the farebox, it indicates to the bus operator that you are approved for the Transit Support Person program and the operator will allow your support person to ride for free. On an ION train, after you tap the platform validator, a fare inspector will tap your card and see that you’re approved to travel with a support person. 
4. If I do not need help on the bus, but I need someone to help me get my groceries, can they travel with me for free?

No, the help must be required for using the bus or MobilityPLUS, not for the activity at your destination.