Winnipeg, MB - A recommendation to proceed with the UPass program beginning September 1, 2016 will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works on March 16, 2015.
A universal post-secondary transit pass, or UPass, is a mandatory pass purchased by all students of a post-secondary institution as part of their tuition payment for a given semester or term. The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), the University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) and The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) all held successful referendums to approve the UPass at a cost of $260 per student for the fall and winter semesters.
The proposed UPasses will bring substantial benefits to students at participating post-secondary institutions by lowering their travel costs to and from school. UPass programs also encourage Transit ridership among students not only during their post-secondary education, but also following graduation.
The UPass will also benefit the community as a whole by increasing the number of Transit users in the city which will help to reduce traffic congestion and the need for roadway maintenance and traffic management projects, as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Qualifying post-secondary institutions in Winnipeg that have not adopted the UPass will continue to offer regular monthly post-secondary passes, which students can purchase at their post-secondary institutions.
The report will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works on March 16, 2015.