Transit support person program

Eligibility Applying Using the program on MobilityPLUS Using the program on buses and trains

The Transit Support Person program is designed for people if, because of their disability, they require regular or occasional assistance while travelling on GRT conventional buses, MobilityPLUS buses and/or ION trains.

The support person providing assistance will not pay a fare.

Eligibility

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 13 years of age or older - who travels with you to assist you in using transit.

Applying

Complete the Transit Support Person online application
Call GRT customer service to have a form mailed to you
Pick up a form in person at any GRT customer service location

If you are currently enrolled in the Personal Assistant for Leisure Activities (PAL) program through the City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo or City of Cambridge, you do not have to have your health care professional fill out your application, you can provide your PAL card number on your application.

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

Physician
Nurse practitioner
Nurse
Psychologist/psychiatrist
Physiotherapist
Occupational therapist
Optometrist/ophthalmologist
Social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Orientation and mobility specialist
Developmental services resource centre service coordinator
Other professionals approved by the Region

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.

Using the 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 operator's daily itinerary indicates when a customer is travelling with a support person.

Using the 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, call Customer Service so we can add this flag to your existing card.