Some city bus routes may soon see a jump in ridership, along with a revenue increase for Guelph Transit.
University of Guelph students voted overwhelmingly in support of restoring the UPass program during a referendum held earlier this month. As a result, starting Jan. 1 all main campus students will chip in $151 per semester in exchange for unlimited rides.
According to a post on the Central Students Association (CSA) website, 88.6 per cent of CSA and Graduate Students Association members who participated in the referendum are in favour of the negotiated agreement.
Requests for comment from the CSA and Guelph Transit were not immediately returned.
City treasurer Tara Baker told council earlier this year that UPass generates about $7.1 million in transit revenue during a “normal year.”
In August of 2020, the CSA opted out of the plan for the fall and winter semesters, citing the lack of in-person students, though the deal officially expired this past April 30. That five-year deal saw students pay $150 per semester.
Negotiations for a new agreement between the city and CSA began in May.
There is no end date on the latest contract, the CSA website states, explaining annual cost increases are to be no more than two per cent. If the increase is more, another referendum will be needed.
There is no opt-out option for students, payment of the fee is mandatory.
The UPass program has been in existence for more than 20 years.
