If you aren't 65 as of March 1, you're no longer a senior

As of March 1, Greater Sudbury will be redefining who is and isn't a senior citizen, at least for the purposes of riding the bus.

In a news release Thursday, the city said beginning next month, you'll have to be 65 to qualify for discounts on Sudbury Transit fares.

Sudbury was one of only two municipalities that defined a senior as 55 and older, the release said.

“Passengers ages 55 to 64 will pay regular adult fare,” the release said. “These changes will also affect ride cards and 31-day passes.”

A Greater Sudbury Transit photo ID card is required for discount fares and for 31-day passes. Passengers age 65 plus have to exchange their current photo ID card to continue to qualify for discount fares plus free fare on Mondays, starting March 1. Passengers ages 55 to 64 must exchange their current photo identification card when purchasing a 31-day pass.

“New photo identification will be exchanged free of charge at the Downtown Transit Terminal Kiosk, 9 Elm St., Sudbury beginning Tuesday,” the release said. “Passengers age 65 plus must show proof of age to receive a senior photo ID. As of March 1, passengers ages 55 to 64 must pay the difference between adult and senior fares to exchange 'older adult' 31-day passes and ride cards for 'adult' passes and ride cards.”

The new rules also apply to clients of Handi-Transit to match conventional public transit. Photo ID is not required on Handi-Transit.

The Transit Terminal Kiosk is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 705-675-3333 or visit www.greatersudbury.ca/transit.