Bite the Ballot: U-Pass Referendum

Over the past week, the U-Pass referendum campaign has been encouraging students to vote yes to renew the U of A U-Pass contract for 2021-25. Campaigning focused on the reliability, affordability, and predictability of the U-Pass fee, as well as the universal access it provides to seven municipalities. 

To a lesser degree, the campaign spoke to the sustainability of the region, the improvement of its transit system, and the decreased congestion around the university made possible by more students using transit. Given that transit use among U of A students doubled when the U-Pass was implemented, these benefits are no small factor. 

The university funded subsidy of the U-Pass was lost this year due to lost revenue that was largely derived from parking services. As a result, the U-Pass will cost students $22 more per semester. While the campaign was clearly worried about how the lost subsidy would register with students, they made up for it by repeatedly breaking down the costs of full fare alternatives, demonstrating just how much more affordable the U-Pass makes transit.

While the price of the U-Pass is set to increase to $180 per semester, the campaign noted that for the first time, the Students’ Union was able to secure a price freeze for the entirety of the 2021-25 contract — meaning students can expect to pay the same price for a U-Pass over the next four years. That price offers welcome stability amidst the backdrop of rising tuition and the uncertainty of the coming year. 

The U-Pass referendum unfortunately did not receive many questions throughout the election forums, but the campaign was able to make a strong case for the U-Pass’ renewal, nonetheless. 

U-Pass referendum social media offered similar messaging, accompanied by videos reminding students of in-person university life. A specific example included a video of rushing down to the University LRT station and taking transit home with friends after a long day.

Will it pass?

The U-Pass referendum seems likely to pass. At The Gateway forum, the campaign team did a good job portraying the reality for students if it does not. Although many students were relieved to not have the fee assessed for the winter semester this year, U-Pass representatives also repeatedly addressed a major concern for students, emphasizing that students who are enrolled solely in online classes will not be assessed the U-Pass fee. 

While the per semester fee is set to jump, the breakdown of the price compared to full fare transit options makes it clear that voting yes for the U-Pass is the most economical choice. 

The U-Pass also has a history of passing by large margins and if the overwhelming outcome in favour of the U-Pass referendum at one of our neighbouring institutions, NAIT, is any indicator, support for the U-Pass amongst post-secondary students is still high. 

Should it pass?

Yes, the U-Pass referendum should pass. 

The SU is facing a crisis of trust amongst U of A students, as seen in the many questions directed to candidates regarding upholding campaign promises, standing up to government, and the value of SU fees. While the concerns of students are entirely valid, the U-Pass is an undeniable success of the SU. 

This year the SU has managed to secure a first of its kind price freeze for the duration of this U-Pass contract and it would be a mistake to focus on the price jump while ignoring this win. At the end of the day, this is why we have a student union — to protect the student body from pricey and unpredictable fees being imposed on students, as ETS has the power to do without the protection of the U-Pass. 

Thousands of U of A students across multiple campuses rely on the U-Pass not only to access campus and commute home, but to connect with friends, shop, and attend events. Without the U-Pass, students would be stuck paying much higher prices for transportation — either paying full transit fares or buying a vehicle. 

If the U-Pass referendum passes, the SU must work to bring the university back to the table to discuss reinstating the U-Pass subsidy as soon as possible to bring the price back down for students. But for now, the U-Pass, subsidy or not, represents the best access to transit for U of A students. 

While any additional costs to students should not be taken lightly, giving up the U-Pass would be a mistake and we would undoubtedly miss it in the future if the referendum fails. I urge voters to vote yes to the U-Pass referendum to guarantee another four years of predictable, reliable, and affordable transit access. 

The Gateway as an apolitical organization does not endorse candidates. Authors who write “Bite the Ballot” pieces follow the races or referendums that they write about with the expectation they attend or watch every forum and read all relevant campaign materials in their entirety. The views expressed in this piece reflect the author’s best informed judgment.