WINNpass
WINNpass program expansion
The WINNpass program is expanding in 2023 to benefit more eligible Winnipeg residents.
- Youth who are part of an eligible household will now also be eligible for the WINNpass
- All WINNpass holders will now have the option to purchase e-cash for rides at a 50% discount on the full fare rate, in addition to monthly passes
We encourage low-income Winnipeg households who may benefit from discounted e-cash and/or youth eligibility to apply for the WINNpass program.
What is the WINNpass?
The WINNpass program provides individuals with low income the opportunity to receive a 50 percent discount off the full-fare rate for monthly transit passes and e-cash rides.
Eligible households can apply for a WINNpass.
WINNpass eligibility
If you are a Winnipeg resident age 64 and under, you may qualify for the WINNpass program if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You are receiving Employment and Income Assistance and do not qualify for transportation allowance in the equivalent amount of a bus pass.
- You are a new permanent resident or a refugee who has been in Canada for less than a year and have not yet filed a tax return.
- You are a part of a household with income less than the Low Income Cut Off (amounts listed below.)
| Number of people in household | Total income |
| 1 | $30,526 |
| 2 | $38,003 |
| 3 | $46,720 |
| 4 | $56,724 |
| 5 | $64,336 |
| 6 | $72,560 |
| 7 | $80,785 |
If your application is approved, other members of your household — such as a partner, spouse, and effective Jan. 1, 2023, youth dependents — may be eligible for the discount.
A household includes every one of all ages who live in the same dwelling and are related by blood, marriage, common-law union, adoption or a foster relationship.
Individuals who receive a monthly pass transportation subsidy through Employment and Income Assistance or have a U-Pass are not eligible for the WINNpass program.
Applying for a WINNpass
You can fill out your application for the WINNpass online, including any required documentation, such as an EIA budget letter and letter concerning transportation allowance if applicable.
You can also fill out a printable application form to leave at any Winnipeg Transit Customer Service Centre with the required documentation.
Paper applications and required documentation can also be mailed, to the following address:
WINNpass, Winnipeg Transit Service Centre
Main Floor, 510 Main Street
R3B 1B9
Applications and required documentation can also be faxed, to 204-986-3245.
Application forms can also be picked up at Transit Service Centres.
More detailed instructions for how to fill out your application are available.
Picking up your WINNpass peggo card
You will receive a letter indicating whether you are approved for the program or not. If you are approved for the program, you need to bring your acceptance letter and proof of identity for all of the members in your household that require a card that confirms you live in the City of Winnipeg to any Transit Customer Service Centre, where you will be able to pick up your WINNpass peggo card. If you don’t have proof of identity for youth members of your household, you can sign a letter of declaration for them while providing your own proof of identification.
Cards are active for one year from the program acceptance date and are subject to a $5 card fee. They are non-transferable and must not be sold or shared.
Loading your WINNpass
The WINNpass monthly pass and e-cash can be purchased online or at any location that sells Winnipeg Transit peggo products, including Winnipeg Transit Customer Service Centres and peggo retailers.
Note: The WINNpass monthly pass and e-cash are the only Transit product that can be loaded on a WINNpass peggo card, and you cannot load a WINNpass monthly pass or e-cash on any other peggo card.
WINNpass FAQ
Q1: What is the WINNpass program?
A: The WINNpass is a program from the City of Winnipeg that provides eligible individuals or families the opportunity to purchase monthly transit passes and e-cash rides at a 50 percent discount off the full-fare rate.
This means in 2023, WINNpass members will pay $53.90 for a monthly bus pass and an e-cash rate of $1.40.
Q2: Who is eligible for the WINNpass program?
A: Winnipeg residents age 64 and under who meet one of the following criteria may qualify for the WINNpass program:
- You are part of a household with income less than the Low Income Cut Off (LICO)
- You are a new permanent resident or a refugee who has been in Canada for less than a year and has not yet filed a tax return.
- You are receiving Employment and Income Assistance (see note below regarding required documentation).
If your application is approved, other household members may also be eligible for the discount, such as the partner, spouse or child of the applicant.
Note: Applicants receiving EIA will be required to provide a budget letter dated within the last 30 days, and a letter or completed declaration form signed by a case worker confirming:
- if you are currently eligible or ineligible for an EIA transportation allowance, and
- if you have received an EIA transportation allowance in the previous three months.
Q3: What is the definition of a household?
A: A household refers to a single person or a group of two or more persons who live in the same dwelling and are related to each other by blood, marriage, common-law union, adoption or a foster relationship.
Q4: Can Winnipeg Transit Plus users use a WINNpass?
A: Yes. As a parallel service, all eligible Transit Plus customers can apply for the WINNpass and can use it on Transit Plus once approved for the program.
Once approved Transit Plus customers can purchase a WINNpass by calling the Transit Plus contact centre at 204-986-5722.
Q5: How much of a discount will I receive with WINNpass?
A: The discount for WINNpass holders on monthly bus passes and e-cash fares is 50 percent.
Q6: Where can I get an application?
A: Printable WINNpass application forms are available online or you can pick a paper form up at any Transit Customer Service Centre location.
You can also fill out an electronic application and submit online.
Q7: Where can I submit my application?
A: Completed applications can be dropped off at one of our Transit Customer Service Centres; be submitted through our online portal or mailed to WINNpass, Winnipeg Transit Service Centre, Main Floor, 510 Main Street, R3B 1B9; or faxed to 204-986-3245.
Q8: Is there a difference between the WINNpass peggo card and other peggo cards?
A: The WINNpass peggo card looks identical to other peggo fare cards but only the WINNpass peggo card may be used to purchase a reduced monthly pass.
Q9: How do I know if I have been approved?
A: You will receive a letter in the mail or by email, based on the information you provided on your application, advising you of your status.
Q10: How do I pick-up my WINNpass peggo card?
A: If approved, you will need to bring your acceptance letter/email and proof of identity confirming you are a resident of Winnipeg to one of the Transit Customer Service Centres to pick up your WINNpass.
Cards are subject to a $5 card fee. They are non-transferable and must not be sold or shared.
Q11: Once I am approved, how long does my eligibility last?
A: Cards are active for one year from the program acceptance date.
Q12: Do I need to submit a new application if I am renewing?
A: Yes; but please indicate you are renewing on your application, and provide the reference number that was provided on your initial letter of acceptance.
If your renewal application is received before your eligibility expires, you will be able to continue using your existing WINNpass card.
If your renewal application is received after your eligibility expires, you will be required to bring your acceptance letter/email and proof of identity to pick up a new WINNpass at a Winnipeg Transit Customer Service Centre (subject to $5 fee.)
Q13: Why can’t I load the WINNpass monthly pass on my existing peggo card?
A: Peggo cards are only able to accept one fare category. For this reason, reduced monthly passes (WINNpass) can only be loaded onto WINNpass cards.
Q14: Where can I load a reduced WINNpass fare product on my WINNpass peggo card?
A: Once you have your WINNpass peggo card, the WINNpass fare products can be purchased online or at any peggo sales location.
Q15: My card has stopped working, was misplaced or stolen. How do I get a replacement?
A: If you are having problems with your peggo card please visit the About peggo page or contact 311.
Q16: Is there a minimum amount of e-cash I can load on my WINNpass?
A: Like with other peggo cards, e-cash can be loaded in denominations of $5, $10, $15, $20, $30 and $50, in any combination, to a maximum of $200. The minimum purchase amount is $5.00.
Q17: How do people already who are already approved for the WINNpass get passes for newly-eligible youth in their households? Do they have to reapply?
A:
- If you’re already approved, visit any Winnipeg Transit Service Centre to determine steps to obtain WINNpass peggo cards for youth members of your household.
- If you listed them on your application, you may not need to reapply, but they will need to come to a Winnipeg Transit Service Centre with an adult member of the household and proof of identification to pick up their WINNpass peggo card. (Note: if you do not have proof of identification for the youth, the adult household member can provide proof of identification and fill out a declaration form.)
- If they weren’t listed on your application, you will need to reapply.
