As part of a 2012 Kelowna Regional Transit fare increase, it is proposed that the student U-PASS (Universal Bus Pass) will cost $60, versus the $50 it cost today. Students at UBC’s Okanagan campus would pay $54 (a 10 per cent subsidy is paid by UBC) versus the $45 that they currently pay. The U-PASS has not changed with regular transit fare increases since it came into effect, four years ago.
On November 18, students will be asked to vote to keep their U-PASS, but at the new fee. Without the increase, students risk losing their U-PASS (and having to pay regular transit fares), possible transit service reductions, increased traffic, and less available parking.
Students approved the U-PASS program in September 2007. U-PASS holders are entitled to unlimited access to the Kelowna Regional Transit System at a significant discount – approximately four months for the price of one. Since the inception of the U-PASS, the Kelowna Regional Transit partnership (City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, Regional District of Central Okanagan and BC Transit) has met and exceeded the service enhancements outlined in the 2007 U-PASS agreement.
To find out more visit the City of Kelowna website, or read the Okanagan campus U-PASS FAQ page.
