REGINA – University of Regina students will get another chance to vote on a discounted universal bus pass.
The Students’ Union board has decided to hold a referendum on a U-Pass during its general election from March 16 to 19.
U-Pass would cost all students between $70 and $90 per semester, with some students able to opt-out. Students who currently choose to take public transit pay $65 for a monthly pass, or $260 per semester.
It was shot down in a 2009 referendum, but since then construction of two new residence buildings on the U of R campus has eliminated 600 parking stalls. An increase in international students could also play a role in the vote.
“That proportion of students (going up) means a lot of students rely on public transit to get around day-to-day,” said Students’ Union president Devon Peters. “As an international student coming to Canada, you’re not allowed to get a drivers’ license for the first nine months you’re here.”
Peters said his own survey has shown the “number one issue” of U of R students is parking and transit, placing ahead of tuition costs.
Several other Canadian universities have a discounted universal bus pass including the University of Saskatchewan.
If students support the U-Pass it would still need to be approved by Regina city council.
“If it goes though, we’ll hopefully see implementation within a year,” Peters said.
Comments