I am a current member of the Guelph community and I attend the University of Guelph. Recently I have been notified that there is a proposal to terminate the U of G Universal Bus Pass. I strongly maintain that council should not support CMS11 “Reset Student Transit Fare Categories.” I can not afford the price increase and termination of the Universal Bus Pass financially and for a multitude of other reasons.
Everyday I rely on my Universal Bus Pass, as it gives me accessibility to many of the beautiful areas of the Guelph community and very accommodating transportation to campus everyday.
I would like to address how every student who attends the University of Guelph, whether or not they use public transport (especially the approximately 2,000 first year students living in residence) are required to buy a Universal Bus Pass. In regards to equality with other high-school students who take the bus, students that use other methods of transportation do not contribute to the bus system, whereas ALL university students do.
Part of the reason I am proud to live in the City of Guelph deals with the City’s commitment to the environment. I can assure you that if all university students are forced to buy regular bus passes at $62.00/month, many will start investing in alternate transportation that has a greater ecological footprint, i.e. cars.
Furthermore, I am adamant that the Universal Bus Pass including the “Late Night” service is truly an indispensable service to students. Many students, like myself, rely on the late night bus shuttles through our Universal Bus Pass. This service provides affordable and alternate transportation for the vast number of students who go to bars Downtown Guelph. I know that the late night shuttle prevents driving while under the influence of alcohol by operating at the hours that it does. Moreover, many students who would be at risk of sexual harassment if forced to walk at these hours of the night, can avoid such situations by using this excellent and affordable service.
I believe that the University of Guelph’s Central Student Association and Guelph Transit can come to an agreement on this matter.CC