Georgian College students who use public transit could soon be getting a break on their bus fare.
City councillors are looking at creating a universal transit pass (U-Pass) for college students.
It’s estimated that more than 16,000 students combined are eligible for the fall, winter and summer semesters.
The U-Pass would cost $86 per semester and only be available to full-time credit students.
City officials hope the passes will increase transit ridership, reduce illegal parking, decrease student housing rentals near the college and support active transportation, according to a city staff report.
City transit director Brent Forsyth said Georgian College, like many post-secondary institutions, is “grappling with major transportation challenges” due to growing enrolment and more young people owning vehicles.
This is putting additional strain on campus roads, parking lots and transit services, Forsyth noted in his report to councillors.
And since parking lots are expensive, rarely pay for themselves and take up precious space that could be used for teaching or residential facilities, Georgian College and city staff have been looking for ways to handle transportation demands and to help students leave their vehicles at home in favour of other options such as walking, cycling and public transit.
The U-Pass plan, if approved by city council at its April 30 meeting, would be to launch the program for the start of the fall 2018 semester.
