That is the lingo going on on campus this week describing the long-anticipated referendum for the UW Universal Bus Pass (U-Pass) on March 28 and 29.

Here’s the key question:

Do you support a Universal Bus Pass (U-Pass) at a cost of $41.08, plus an administration cost of not more than $9.50, subject to increases due to inflation and student demand, to be paid by each full-time undergraduate student per academic term, scheduled for implementation in September 2007, and which will be reviewed in three years?

It definitely sounds long-winded, but it’s definitely necessary to get this initiative implemented.

I am very excited about even the opportunity to have the program pass, especially since I will staying in Waterloo next term. Currently, the Graduate Student Association is expected to jump on board with the Feds plan, subject to passing of the undergraduate referendum.

In order for the U-Pass to pass, it must not only receive the majority of total votes, but it also must receive at least votes from 7% of the total undergraduate body. Given that general elections usually have a dismal 14% turnout, we must hope that we get more people voting this time around.

I won’t speak too much about the benefits, since are obviously high. They are summarized in the YES Committee’s adverts above.

Just from my grapevine conversations, I was informed that the maximum administration fee of $9.50 would be used to install swipe machines on all GRT buses so that we can conveniently use our student WATcards. Currently the plan is still subject to debate.

Alternative ideas include adding a sticker to all student cards every term to identify that they’re part of the program. This option would definitely have a lower admin fee.

Whatever option Feds and Grand River Transit plans to take, the UPass fare medium needs to be flexible to accommodate for variety caused by the differrent academic streams due to the co-op program. For that reason, UW would have to take a more difficult stance with administering the pass.

If you’re from UW or know someone who do, remind them to vote sometime on March 28 and 29! Just consider it purely as a favour for my self interest!

Recent U-Pass coverage:
Feds calls U-Pass referendum - [imprint.uwaterloo.ca]
Alicia’s Iron Warrior article [iwarrior.uwaterloo.ca]
John’s Iron Warrior article - [iwarrior.uwaterloo.ca]
Pass the Pass (Requires login) - [facebook.com]
Laurier’s U-Pass Program website - [grt.ca]
U-Pass Proposal for the UW - [region.waterloo.on.ca]
Bus pass debate boils over - [imprint.uwaterloo.ca]