A decade-long battle for a univerisal bus pass (U-Pass) is about to be resolved by the vote of Carleton students – some for it, some against it.
On Feb. 10-11, Carleton students will vote in a referendum for or against an increase in tuition of $145 per semester, which would cover their bus passes.
Erik Halliwell, the current president of Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA), said he is in favour of the bus pass, and hopeful for a similar response from the student body.
“A couple of weeks ago, the vote passed in city council for a pilot bus pass project, and if the student response is positive, we’ll try it for a year. But the city needs that student support,” Halliwell said.
Students at the University of Ottawa would also be part of the pilot program next school year. A referendum must pass at both schools for the U-Pass to be brought in.
However, not everyone is happy about this possibility. One main point of contention is the fact that the tuition increase would be mandatory, with no way to opt out.
“That way the city makes more money,” said Chris Gillen, CUSA science councillor. He, along with other Carleton students, is responsible for starting a Facebook group, “Citizens of Ottawa Against a Mandatory U Pass.”
“There are about 800 people in it so far, and it only started last week,” Gillen said.
“As soon as I heard the word ‘mandatory,’ I was opposed to it,” Eric Turcotte, another founder of the group, said.
Turcotte, a regular bus rider, would benefit from the U-Pass, but said he objected on a matter of principle.
“If it could be optional, I would be all for it. I think it would be great,” he said.
Gillen said he objected to the argument that a U-Pass would be environmentally friendly.
“Bus ridership will increase, yes, but only because people who live close by will decide to be lazy instead of walking or biking,” he said.
Cameron McKenzie, CUSA vice-president (internal affairs), said he was in favour of the U-Pass.
“There are a lot of reasons why this would be a good idea. It would be a cost-saving method for students, and it would also be good from an environmental standpoint, instead of driving,” McKenzie said.
Halliwell also expressed the hope that it will reduce the congestion of cars on campus, if more students use the bus system.
Gillen disagreed, predicting that parking services will simply lower their prices to stay competitive, and car congestion will be as bad as ever.
“I can’t see people not driving to school when they have that option, just because they have an extra bit of tuition,” Gillen said.
Clive Doucet, a City Councillor, has great hopes for the vote going through.
"It would be great for the students, and it would be great for the city. Students won’t have to worry about having money for transportation," Doucet said.
Despite the opposition, Halliwell said he remains optimistic about the vote.
“We’re getting lots of support so far. Many students, especially ones from British Columbia, are surprised that we didn’t have it,” he said.
Halliwell added the possibility of negotiating opt-out clauses with OC Transpo, but said that nothing can be done until they have the vote from the students.
“I encourage everybody make an informed decision,” Halliwell said. “Weigh the pros and cons. Make the decision that you think is right. This is a 10-year fight, and it’s going to end one way or another.”