What do full-time students aged 19, 23 and 28 all have in common? They all have 12-35 hours of class per week plus readings and assignments to complete, which can consume an extra fi ve to 25 hours outside class time, leaving little time for employment. So why has OC Transpo decided that full-time students aged 28 and older are no longer eligible for a student bus pass?
The latest OC Transpo policy, which took effect July 1, seems to say that by age 28, students should have had enough time to complete a PhD and no longer deserve a break. While most people probably do complete their postsecondary education by this point, it is not acceptable to cut off those who don’t.
As it is, part-time students and special students — who often have fi nancial burdens similar to that of full-time students — are not granted access to OC Transpo student fares. Now a new demographic of students will have to tighten their belts.
Via Rail provides a more comprehensive fare system, with a youth fare for those aged 17-25 and a student fare for those carrying the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The card is available to full-time students of any age for free at some campuses or for under $20 at others.
With this system, even students who aren’t enrolled in courses full-time get a discount. The assumption is that most “youth” have a harder time paying full fares. It is estimated close to 1,000 people will be affected by the new OC Transpo fare structure, saving OC Transpo roughly $220,000 a year. That number accounts for about 0.06 per cent of its $349-million operating budget. Hopefully next year OC Transpo will be able to save that 0.06 per cent elsewhere, keeping extra fi nancial burdens off students’ shoulders.