Bus passes will soon be in the hands of income support clients in metro—free of charge—as part of a new public transit initiative.

About 10,000 people are on the list to receive the Metrobus passes. The provincial government says packages including the physical pass and activation instructions should be delivered in the coming days.

The pilot was supposed to begin in April but was delayed due to the pandemic.

The provincial government promised $1.2-million to support the program this year through a partnership with Metrobus and St. John’s, and another $1.5-million in the next fiscal year.

Any eligible clients in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, or Paradise who do not receive their card should contact 709-729-7888 or by email at aesl@gov.nl.ca.