Although the Universal student bus pass will expire at the end of this month, everyone knows it’s official that the U-Pass will continue at Carleton for another year come September.
Personally, I know numerous students who drive to school every day but are now required to fork over another $290 for a pass they barely use.
Additionally, people who drive to school must pay for parking, which is no small cost to students attempting to balance tuition costs with food, bills, rent and textbooks.
It’s fair to say most students at Carleton get good use out of their passes, appreciate the fare discount and do enjoy the convenience of a year-long pass.
However, I believe it is rather unfortunate that students were not given a chance to vote on this issue.
Many students have asked for an opt-out, but this is impossible. OC Transpo has made it very clear that either every student had to get one or there would be no pass at all. Those who do not get enough use out of the U-Pass are losing money on it and that is what ends up paying for the discount so many of us enjoy.
Since the introduction of the U-Pass at Carleton, there has been increased discussion among students regarding its practicality.
Many of the first-year students, who did not have the opportunity to vote on the issue last year, will have no say again for next year since the decision to continue the pass was made by the Carleton University Students’ Association executives (CUSA) elected for 2010-2011.
In an article published March 3 in the Charlatan, Dina Skvirsky, CUSA vice-president (student issues) said, “It’s an open mandate and as long as the price doesn’t change, we don’t have to re-run the referendum.”
I think a lot of students certainly would have appreciated a referendum.
Why should CUSA be able to make decisions regarding costs for a year in which the student government has no mandate?
If the federal government decided in the last couple months of a term to use taxpayers’ money to fund a large program that would run outside of their term, the public would be awfully upset.
Yes, it is true that those who do not use the bus for most of their transportation to school are in the minority.
But they won’t be able to have an open debate on the U-Pass if CUSA makes it impossible for them to even have a vote on the issue.
Since students are paying for the program, we have the right to decide whether or not it continues.
Next year, CUSA should prepare for an early referendum to address the continuation of the U-Pass.
This will ensure students who aren’t benefiting from the program have an opportunity to voice their concerns.
A November vote on the issue would be perfect to allow some time for new students to try out the U-Pass, and to learn about both sides of the issue.
In addition, it would allow for a significant portion of time in which those for and against the U-Pass can have an opportunity to voice their opinions through public debate.
Having the referendum before exams should also help to increase voter participation among students.
In addition, debate on the U-Pass will help to generate new solutions that will help all students with their transportation to school.
The process of having a referendum will lead to greater discussion on the issue and either add some legitimacy to the U-Pass or lead to its eventual discontinuation.
Regardless, students need to decide on the future of the U-Pass and the newly elected CUSA government is responsible for ensuring that we get that chance.