In the highest voter turnout in the history of the University
of British Columbia, students voted overwhelmingly in favour
of a Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass).
More than 15,000 people came out to vote, with 10,742 in
favour.
"I am extremely pleased that students came out in force
to endorse a transit plan that will have significant financial
benefits for students," said Tara Learn, VP External
of the Alma Mater Society.
The pass will cost $20 per month and will be mandatory for
all students. With regular one-zone fare cards costing $63
per month, the $20 U-Pass price tag constitutes considerable
savings. In addition, TransLink has committed to increasing
the number of service hours to UBC by 23,000 per year.
Pass holders will be entitled to unlimited use of TransLink
buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus services within the GVRD from September
through April. U-Pass holders will also have free access to
campus shuttles, bicycle and carpool programs, merchant discounts
and a guaranteed ride home in an emergency.
"This is a great start for our community, especially
since U-Pass is more than just a bus pass," said Gord
Lovegrove, UBC’s director of Transportation Planning.
"In the near future, we see the full U-Pass program
being offered to students, staff, faculty and their families
all year round. The variety of transportation options afforded
by the pass will make it a true universal transportation pass
program, benefiting all UBC commuters and campus residents."
First discussed in 1996, this successful referendum represents
the culmination of years of effort by the Alma Mater Society
(AMS), the university and TransLink to create an affordable
and accessible transit pass for UBC students.
The Alma Mater Society is the official representative
of more than 39,000 students at the University of British
Columbia. Its mission is: ‘To improve the quality of the educational,
social, and personal lives of the students of UBC.’
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