EDMONTON — The Alberta government is reversing its plan to axe a subsidy program that helps low-income people pay for transit passes.

It comes after a day of backlash from the mayors of Edmonton and Calgary.

The province’s two largest cities were set to lose $12 million in funding from the province.

Social Services Minister Jason Nixon says it’s now clear the cities aren’t able to pay for the full program and provincial money will continue to flow.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek had called the proposed cut an insult to Calgarians already struggling to get by.

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said 25,000 local residents rely on the program to access transit and demand is growing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2024.

The Canadian Press