OPT Program Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the OPT Program developed?
The program was developed in 2024 by Partners for Care in partnership with NS Health and Halifax Transit to support QEII Health Sciences Centre campus staff with their commute to work during the construction of the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project, creating a decrease in on-site parking. ​
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Who can register for the OPT Program?
​All permanent full-time & part-time, casual, term, physician & support staff who work at the following buildings at the QEII Health Science Centre are eligible for the program:
The Halifax Infirmary site:
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Halifax Infirmary
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Abbie J Lane Memorial
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Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial
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The Victoria General site:
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Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre
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Bethune
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Mackenzie
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Dickson
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Victoria
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Centennial
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Contractors are not eligible for the program.
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How can I register for the OPT Program?
Visit the OPT Registration page to view the registration schedule for the year.
If registration is open, you'll find the form and steps to sign up.
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Who manages this program?
The OPT program is managed by Partners for Care, which works closely with Halifax Transit and other community partners to provide new and improved commuting options for QEII staff.
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​OPTion #1 - Active & Sustainable Transportation
What is Active & Sustainable Transportation?
Sustainable transport refers to mobility systems that seek to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts, while ensuring safety and affordability, improving energy and resource efficiency, and providing equitable access to mobility for all. (link) Transportation options include walking, running, rollerblading, cycling, scootering, carpooling and using a rideshare vehicle.
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What do I need to register for OPTion #1?
You do not need anything to register except for your personal information.
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What do I get in an OPTion #1 package when I register?
You will receive your first two taxi vouchers from Halifax Transit's Guaranteed Ride Home Program.
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Option #2 - Public Transportation
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What is an Epass?
An Epass is a permanent plastic bus pass with your photo on it from Halifax Transit. With the Epass, you won't be required to buy a new pass each month.
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Can I use my Epass any time or just to and from work?
You can use your Epass at any time.
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What bus services can I use my Epass for? The Epass can be used for buses, ferries, Express & Regional Express routes & the Access-A-Bus.
What do I need to register for OPTion #2?
Before you register for an Epass, you should gather:
1) A picture of yourself for your Epass card.
2) Payment Information: If you are permanent staff and will pay through payroll deductions, please look for your Person ID # from your NS Health pay stub. If you are casual/term full-time and part-time staff, physicians and physician support staff, please gather a digital void check or a bank-provided document showing your Pre-authorized Debit (PAD) information.
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What do I get in an OPTion #2 package when I register?
You will receive your first two taxi vouchers from Halifax Transit's Guaranteed Ride Home Program and your personalized Epass.
How do I pay for my Epass?
All permanent full-time and part-time staff pay for the pass through bi-weekly payroll deductions. The payroll deduction will begin the pay period noted on the OPT registration form.
All casual/term full-time and part-time staff, physicians and physician support staff pay for the Epass through monthly Pre-Authorized Debit payments through their personal bank account. The PAD payment will begin the month you signed up for.
How does the Epass deduction show up on my pay stub?
Your Epass payment will show up as SmartTrip EE under Other Deductions.
I'm paying monthly with PAD payments, what will the deduction be from my bank account?
The deduction will show up as CBDHA PAP MSP.
Is the Halifax Transit Epass a taxable benefit?
The Nova Scotia Health (employer) paid portion ($645/annually) is a taxable benefit and is reflected on the employee's T4 and pay stub for staff who pay via payroll deduction.
If you pay through Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) payments you will need to self-report their contributions on your tax returns.
How does the taxable benefit show up on my pay stub?
Your Epass payment will show up as SmartTrip ER under Employee Contributions.
Do I need to register for the Epass every year?
No, you only have to register for the OPT Program once. Your Epass will expire every year on June 30th, and you will receive an email with instructions on how to pick up a new expiration sticker the month before.
How do I cancel or suspend my pass?
The EPass program requires participants to register for one year; however, passes can be cancelled due to:
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Change in employment status
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Change in work location or flex work options
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Provincial Health Emergency (COVID-19)
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Parental leave
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Medical leave
Please email optprogram@nshealth.ca to confirm you would like to cancel your card. Halifax Transit requires payment for an entire month. If you choose to suspend/cancel your pass, please allow enough time to request and confirm your change for the end of the month to avoid charges for the following full month.
I lost my Epass, what do I do?
Please call the Halifax Transit Lost & Found at 902-490-6617 and check with Security to see if the pass has been turned in.
If your pass has not been turned in, a replacement card can be ordered for you. The new card fee is $25 and will be added to your next Epass payment and takes 5-7 business days to be printed.
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Guaranteed Ride Home Vouchers
​​What can I use the Guaranteed Ride Home Program taxi vouchers for?
The taxi vouchers can be used to get you home from work for the following events:
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Getting home from work due to illness
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Getting home from work due to a personal or family emergency
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Getting home from work after unscheduled overtime
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Getting home because your carpooling partner is unavailable
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What can't I use the Guaranteed Ride Home Program taxi vouchers for?
Taxi vouchers may not be used for the following events:
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personal errands such as planned appointments, shopping or socializing
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pre-planned medical or dental appointments
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work-related travel such as travel to meetings, conferences and work-related spaces.
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weather-related transit service delays and disruptions
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travel to and from the airport
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How do I use Guaranteed Ride Home vouchers?
Call one of the taxi companies listed on the GRH voucher and request a ride. Once your taxi arrives, alert the taxi driver that you are using a GRH voucher to pay for the ride. When you arrive at home, you will be asked to fill out part of the voucher and the driver will fill out the rest and keep it as payment.
Afterwards, fill out the Usage Report (bottom half) and send the picture to optprogram@nshealth.ca to record the voucher has been used.
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How do I get more vouchers?
When you register for the OPT Program, you will be given two vouchers. When those have been used and recorded, you can email optprogram@nshealth.ca for the remaining three. You will be given a maximum of five every 12 months per your original registration month.
For example, if you registered for the program starting in March 2024, you may be eligible for more vouchers in March of each year.
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Do I automatically get more vouchers?
No, you will need to email optprogram@nshealth.ca and request more (if you're eligible) once you have used all of the vouchers.
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Option #3 - Parking
Do I need to register for OPTion #3?
No, you do not need to register with the OPT Program to park.
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When can I park on-site for FREE?
Staff can park for FREE on-site during non-peak hours (2:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.) on weekdays and anytime during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
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In addition, there are 50 free parking tickets at the Victoria General parking lot (parking available in the South Park/University corner) and 100 parking spots in the Summer St Parkade (parking available on Level 6 & 7) available to staff on a first-come, first-served basis Monday to Friday.
How do I park at the Garrison Grounds parking lot?
QEII staff can park at the Garrison Grounds for FREE Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. 25 parking spaces are available until 10 p.m., and staff who require late parking can register their plate on the tablet at the Halifax Infirmary patient and visitor parking registration desk in the Summer Street lobby weekdays from 6:45 am - 8 pm.
The parking lot is open to the public outside of these hours and staff parking in the lot outside of parking hours noted above will be subject to parking fees.
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Is there a staff shuttle for the Garrison Grounds?
Click here for the shuttle schedule and route details.
How do I park at the College Street parking lot?
QEII staff can park for FREE at the College Street lot 24/7 on a first-come, first-served basis.
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How do I park at the South Street parking lot?
QEII staff can park for FREE at the South Street lot 24/7 on a first-come, first-served basis. The lot is shared 50/50 with the IWK.
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Are there any carpooling spots available to staff at the QEII?
There are no carpooling spots available to staff at the QEII.​