What Open Road MB is and who runs it
Open Road MB is Manitoba's program for people with disabilities who want to work but need help paying for transportation to get there. The program covers the cost of a vehicle — either buying one, modifying one you already own, or leasing one — so that work becomes physically possible. It is run by Manitoba Labour and Immigration through the Disability Support Program.
The program exists because a car or van is often the difference between someone being able to hold a job and not being able to. If you have a disability that makes using public transit difficult or impossible, Open Road MB can cover the vehicle itself, hand controls, lifts, ramps, or other equipment you need to drive safely.
This is not a loan you repay. Once you meet the program's conditions, Manitoba pays for the vehicle or modification directly. You keep the vehicle as long as you continue to work or are actively looking for work.
Key Takeaways
- Open Road MB pays for a vehicle or vehicle modification so you can get to work, and the vehicle remains yours to keep.
- You must have a disability, a valid driver's license, and a job offer or current employment to be considered.
- The program covers the full cost of a vehicle up to a set limit, plus any modifications like hand controls or wheelchair lifts.
- You explore through Manitoba Labour and Immigration, and the process typically takes several weeks from process to vehicle delivery.
- If your circumstances change — such as losing your job — you may need to return the vehicle or work out a new arrangement with the program.
Who can use Open Road MB
To be considered for Open Road MB, you must have a documented disability that affects your ability to use public transportation or walk to work. This includes physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, and cognitive disabilities — the program does not limit itself to one type. You must also have a valid Manitoba driver's license or be able to obtain one, and you must be able to drive safely with or without vehicle modifications.
You also need to be actively working or have a confirmed job offer in hand. The program is designed for people who are ready to enter the workforce or who are already employed but cannot reach their workplace without a vehicle. If you are not currently working and do not have a job offer, you would need to find employment first before explore.
Manitoba residency is required. You must be living in the province and planning to work there. If you are receiving income support through other provincial programs, you can still explore to Open Road MB, but your situation will be assessed as a whole.
What the program covers and what it does not
Open Road MB covers the purchase price of a vehicle up to a maximum amount set by the program — this limit changes periodically, so you will want to confirm the current cap when you contact them. The program will buy a used or new vehicle that meets your needs, or it can cover the cost of leasing a vehicle if that is more practical for your situation.
The program also covers modifications to make the vehicle safe and usable for you. This includes hand controls for steering and braking, wheelchair lifts or ramps, seat modifications, mirrors, and any other equipment your disability requires. If you already own a vehicle and need modifications, Open Road MB can pay for those instead of buying you a new one.
What the program does not cover: insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, or registration fees. Those costs are your responsibility once you have the vehicle. The program also does not cover a vehicle if you are buying it purely for personal use — it must be tied to your employment or job search.
How to start the process
Contact Manitoba Labour and Immigration directly to request an process package for Open Road MB. You can reach them by phone or by visiting their office in person. When you call, have your job offer letter or employment details ready, along with information about your disability and what kind of vehicle or modifications you need.
You will need to provide documentation of your disability — this usually means a letter from your doctor or a specialist confirming your diagnosis and how it affects your ability to use public transit or walk to work. You will also need to show your valid driver's license and proof that you can drive safely, which may include a driving assessment if your disability affects your ability to control a vehicle.
Bring or send your job offer letter or a letter from your current employer confirming your employment and the location where you work. The program uses this to confirm that the vehicle is genuinely needed for work purposes. If you do not have a job yet but are actively looking, ask the program what documentation they need to show you are in the job search process.
Timeline and what happens after approval
From the time you submit a complete process, the review process typically takes two to four weeks. The program will contact you if they need additional information, so respond promptly if they ask for clarification or more documents. Once approved, the program will work with you to identify a suitable vehicle or arrange the modifications you need.
You do not choose the vehicle yourself — the program selects one that meets your needs and budget. If you have specific requirements (such as a van instead of a car, or a particular type of hand control), tell the program during your process so they can factor that in. Once a vehicle is identified, the program purchases it or arranges the lease, and you receive it ready to drive.
After you receive the vehicle, you are responsible for insurance, fuel, maintenance, and all other operating costs. You must continue to work or actively search for work to keep the vehicle. If your employment ends, contact the program when ready — depending on your situation, you may be able to keep the vehicle while you search for new work, or you may need to return it.
What to do if your situation changes
If you lose your job, tell Manitoba Labour and Immigration right away. The program understands that job loss happens, and you will usually be given time to find new employment while keeping the vehicle. However, if you remain unemployed for an extended period, the program may ask you to return the vehicle or may suspend your participation.
If your disability changes or you no longer need the vehicle for work, contact the program to discuss your options. If you move out of Manitoba, you will no longer be able to keep the vehicle through the program, as it is only for Manitoba residents working in the province.
If the vehicle needs major repairs or breaks down, contact the program before paying for repairs yourself. Depending on the situation, the program may cover the cost or may help you arrange a replacement vehicle if the original one cannot be fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose what vehicle I want, or does the program pick it for me?
The program selects the vehicle based on your needs and budget limits. You can tell them what type of vehicle would work best for you — such as a van if you use a wheelchair, or a car with hand controls — and they will take that into account. You do not get to choose the specific make and model, but the program will work with you to find something suitable.
What if I already own a vehicle but need modifications?
Open Road MB can pay for modifications to a vehicle you already own instead of buying you a new one. You will need to provide proof of ownership and have the vehicle assessed to make sure it is safe to modify. The program will then cover the cost of the modifications you need.
Do I have to repay the program if I stop working?
No, Open Road MB is not a loan. However, if you stop working and do not have a job offer or are not actively searching for work, you may be asked to return the vehicle. If you lose your job temporarily, contact the program — you usually have time to find new work while keeping the vehicle.
Can I use Open Road MB if I am on income support?
Yes, receiving income support does not automatically disqualify you. Your entire situation will be assessed, including your disability, employment status, and need for the vehicle. Contact the program to discuss your specific circumstances.
How long does it take from process to getting the vehicle?
The review process typically takes two to four weeks once you submit a complete process. After approval, the program will identify or purchase a vehicle, which usually takes another two to four weeks. The total time from process to vehicle delivery is often four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you provide required documents and what type of vehicle you need.