UBC Reports | Vol. 49 | No. 3 | Mar. 6, 2003

Students Vote in Favour of Mandatory Discount Bus Pass

U-Pass passes with record turnout

By Brian Lin

More than 15,000 people cast their votes recently, 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 Alma Mater Society VP External Tara Learn.

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 Greater Vancouver Regional District 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.”