Support Person Assistance Card

The Support Person Assistance Card is a photo card that identifies the cardholder as a person who, because of their disability, needs to be accompanied by a support person.

The Support Person Assistance Card permits a support person to travel on YRT with the eligible customer (cardholder) at no additional cost. Customers with disabilities who travel with a support person on YRT must apply for the Support Person Assistance Card. The card will be issued for a maximum of 10 years for customers aged 16 years old and over, and for a maximum of five years for customers under the age of 16 at the time of application submission. The card must be renewed by submitting a new application and photo upon expiry.

A support person is someone who assists the cardholder with communication, mobility, personal care/medical needs or with access to goods, services or facilities. The Support Person Assistance Card permits a support person to travel with the eligible customer (cardholder) at no additional cost. A cardholder may travel with different support persons at different times. Additional companions must pay a fare.

Customers who need to be accompanied by a support person when travelling on YRT because of their disability (permanent or temporary) may apply for the Support Person Assistance Card.

The application form includes a section (Part B) that must be completed by an authorized regulated health care professional. This health care professional must certify that the applicant is a person who, because of their permanent or temporary disability, needs to be accompanied by a support person.

Application Form

Download and complete the Support Person Assistance Card application form below. You may also request a copy of the application form to be mailed to you by calling YRT.

Support Person Assistance Card Application Form (PDF 99 KB)

The form consists of two sections that need to be completed:

Part A

Part A must be completed by the customer (applicant) who, because of their disability, needs to be accompanied by a support person. A legal guardian may complete the form on behalf of the intended customer.

Part B

Part B must be completed and stamped by an authorized regulated health care professional. Authorized regulated health care professionals include:

• Licensed physician
• Registered nurse
• Registered occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist
• Certified rehabilitation specialist

One current colour passport photo

One (1) current passport-quality photo of the applicant must be included with the application. The photo must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high), the customer’s face and shoulders must be placed in the centre of the photo, and the photo must be printed on plain, high-quality photographic paper. The backside of the photo must be initialed by the authorized regulated health care professional who completes Part C of the application form.

Submit an Application

Completed applications are accepted by mail. A completed application includes:

1. Part A of the application form completed by the customer (applicant) or their legal guardian
2. Part B of the application form completed by an authorized regulated health care professional
3. One current colour passport photo of the applicant certified by the same authorized regulated health care professional who completes Part B of the application form

Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Submit your application by mail:
Mail your completed application (including the certified colour passport photo) to the address below:

York Region Transit (Mobility On-Request Paratransit)
55 Orlando Avenue, 2nd Floor
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 0B4

YRT customers who need to be accompanied by a support person are required to carry a YRT Support Person Assistance Card or the support person will be required to pay a fare.

The Support Person Assistance Card permits a support person to travel with the eligible customer (cardholder) at no additional cost.

The cardholder can simply show the card to the operator (driver) when paying their fare upon boarding a YRT bus. When using Viva, present the card to YRT Enforcement upon request.

Cardholders must still pay their regular fare when using YRT with a support person. The Support Person Assistance Card only exempts the fare for the support person.

A cardholder may travel with different support persons at different times.

Who qualifies as an authorized regulated health care professional?

Authorized regulated health care professionals include:

• Licensed physician
• Registered nurse
• Registered occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist
• Certified rehabilitation specialist
• Registered Psychologist
• Registered Psychological Associate

How much does the Support Person Assistance Card cost?

There is no charge for the YRT Support Person Assistance Card. Please note that YRT will not reimburse any costs incurred to complete the application.

How long will it take to process my application?

Please allow two to three weeks processing time to receive your YRT Support Person Assistance Card.

Can I travel with more than one support person?

Yes;

however, the Support Person Assistance Card only exempts the fare for one support person. Additional companions must pay a fare.

Can my support person travel for free when they are not accompanying me?

No.

To travel for free, the support person must accompany the cardholder on their entire trip.

Does the Support Person Assistance Card expire?

Yes.

A Support Person Assistance Card will be issued for a maximum of 10 years for customers aged 16 years old and over, and for a maximum of five years for customers under the age of 16 at the time of application submission.

If I have lost my Support Person Assistance Card, can I get a replacement?

Yes.

Replacement cards can be obtained at 55 Orlando Avenue, Richmond Hill or by calling 1-866-744-1119.

Can I lend my Support Person Assistance Card to a friend?

No.

The Support Person Assistance Card may only be used by the customer it was issued to. The card is non-transferable.

Can I use my Support Person Assistance Card on other transit systems?

Every transit system has their own rules. Please contact the transit system you wish to travel on to verify if they will accept a YRT Support Person Assistance Card. 

Does YRT accept Support Person Assistance Cards from other transit systems?

Yes.

YRT accepts Support Person Assistance Cards from other transit systems.