Almere is introducing a city pass, the Stadspas Almere, in two phases. The first phase starts at the end of June with residents on a minimum income who receive a social assistance benefit from the municipality, and a broad version for all residents follows later this year. The municipality presents the pass as a step towards equal opportunities, giving access to affordable, low-threshold activities in the city.
Who gets the pass first
In the coming weeks, residents on a minimum income who receive social assistance from the municipality will receive a letter explaining how to activate their Stadspas digitally. The pass gives immediate access to a package of discounts, free activities and services intended to help people take part, meet others and develop. The city chose to begin with the group that, in its own words, needs it most financially.
What the pass offers
In recent months, the municipality and its delivery partner BS&F have worked on the digital platform and on putting together the offer. The aim was a mix of culture, sport, nature, education and leisure. In the first phase, pass holders can use, among other things:
- a free library subscription
- discounts and free offers at Kinepolis, Stad & Natuur, Mad Science, BeestenBende, Almere Jungle, Senior Live computer help, Walibi, Corrosia, Kunstlinie and Circus UP
The municipality is also in talks with Almere’s swimming pools, Keolis, Rataplan, sustainability partners and the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur to extend the offer. The goal is a pass that suits different ages, interests and needs.
What happens next
The broad Stadspas will become available to all residents of Almere later this year. The city describes the development of new offers and partnerships as an ongoing process. Alderman Paul Tang, responsible for Work & Income, Poverty and Debt, called the pass an invitation to take part in the city. According to the municipality, the Stadspas is an investment in an inclusive city where everyone can take part, regardless of income or background.