Universal Bus Pass Approved
April 09, 2010 - Campus Bulletin
U of G students have voted overwhelmingly to accept a $20 increase to the universal bus pass starting May 1.
Results of a student referendum held in March were released today. Fully 90 per cent of undergraduate students and 81 per cent of graduate students supported the two-year rate increase negotiated between the University and Guelph Transit.
The new agreement will see the cost of U of G’s universal bus pass increase to $82.15 from $61.63 per four-month semester. There will be additional $2 price increases in each of the winter and spring/fall 2011 semesters.
Galen Fick, local affairs commissioner for the Central Student Association, said the outcome shows people recognized benefits for all students. “Students will continue to be environmental stewards and have universal support and access to one of the best transit systems around.”
Discussions about the bus pass rate had taken place between the University and the City of Guelph for about two months after it was announced that Guelph Transit could no longer maintain services at the current rate. University students represent a significant portion of the transit system’s total ridership.
“The University is pleased that the students and the city will be continuing with the universal bus pass,” said Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president (student affairs), at the University of Guelph.
“This partnership allows Guelph Transit to remain accessible for our students, enabling them to choose living arrangements throughout the city and take advantage of an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation.”
