EcoPass FAQ

What is the EcoPass?

The EcoPass is an employer-subsidized monthly transit pass. Like a regular monthly bus pass, the EcoPass allows you unlimited trips on Winnipeg Transit. Red River College Polytechnic subsidizes the EcoPass by 60% and is proud to be one of two large employers in Winnipeg to offer the EcoPass at this generous subsidy level. All employees will now receive their EcoPass on Winnipeg Transit’s reloadable peggo card.

Who is eligible for the EcoPass?

Employees located at the Notre Dame Campus (NDC), Exchange District Campus (EDC) or Language Training Centre (LTC) who are full-time or part-time regular or term employees who have met the requirements outlined in Article 4 of the Collective Agreement are eligible for the EcoPass. Contract and casual employees are not eligible. The EcoPass is non-transferable.

How much does the EcoPass cost?

Based on 2020 transit fares, employees pay $40.80 for a monthly transit pass – that’s a savings of $61.25. Transit fares are set by Winnipeg City Council and normally increase every January. As such, EcoPass rates increase around that time too.

What are the tax implications of the EcoPass?

Taxable Benefit: Canada Revenue Agency considers the amount that an employer pays towards a transit pass to be a taxable benefit to the employee. The employer-paid portion of each monthly transit pass is subject to tax and CPP and is reported on the employee’s annual T4 slip. For example, based on 2018 transit rates, an employee who purchases an EcoPass for 12 months will pay $480.60 and the college will pay $528.36. The taxable benefit to the employee is $528.36.

Transit Tax Credit: Effective July 1, 2017 the federal government cancelled the transit tax credit. You can still claim a 15% non-refundable tax credit for the cost of eligible transit passes that are for the use of public transit services for the period January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 on your 2017 income tax and benefit return.

Where do I purchase the EcoPass?

The EcoPass is sold at the Campus Stores at the Notre Dame Campus and Roblin Centre for eligible NDC and EDC employees and at Union Station for eligible LTC employees. You must show your staff card to purchase the EcoPass. Passes for the next month are ready for sale by mid-month of the previous month.

During the months of September and January, when the Campus Store is particularly busy, we encourage you to purchase your EcoPass the previous month to avoid longer line-ups. EcoPasses can only be purchased until the 10th of each month due to HR recording purposes.

Are new employees who meet the eligibility criteria automatically entitled to the EcoPass?

To account for administrative processing time, new employees need to wait 30 days from their start date before being eligible for the EcoPass program. Employees are automatically added to the software used to determine staff eligibility for the program. Employees must also have a staff card and must have read and signed Winnipeg Transit’s EcoPass Terms and Conditions prior to purchasing an EcoPass for the first time.

I’m a Handi-Transit user. Can I purchase an EcoPass?

Yes. Prior to purchasing an EcoPass you must provide the appropriate EcoPass purchase location (NDC, Roblin Centre or LTC) with your Handi-Transit Client information. You will then be added to the software and may purchase an EcoPass by showing your staff card.

What if I lose my pass?

First go to the Campus Store or Language Training Centre and let them know you lost your card. They will complete a Lost Card Report Form for you, cancel your lost peggo card and will input a new card into the system for you. There is a $5 fee for replacement cards. Then, take your new peggo card, the Lost Card Report Form and a piece of identification to the Winnipeg Transit Street Centre (65 Garry Street) to have that month’s EcoPass loaded onto your card

Do I have to give up my parking spot at NDC to participate in the EcoPass program?

No. Employees may retain their parking spot while participating in the EcoPass program to promote flexibility in commuting options. However the EcoPass is non-transferable and employees may only purchase a pass for their own use. Failure to follow the conditions of the EcoPass program may result in revocation of EcoPass privileges.

For more information on the EcoPass, email sustainability@rrc.ca or call 204.632.2166.