U-Pass FAQs

U-Pass FAQ | Routes & Schedules

 

When and why did the Universal Bus Pass fee get added to my tuition?

In the spring of 2003, a group of students initiated a referendum that created the Universal Bus Pass, which allows all undergraduate students taking 1.5 credits or ore access to public transit from September to April in Welland, Thorold, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. The terms of the referendum, as well as arguments for and against, were advertised through a number of media, including the student newspaper, posters, open forums, and the Internet. The referendum had almost 4,000 students vote, the highest turnout in recent Brock history. Over 65% of those students were in favour of the U-Pass.

Because of the U-Pass, students now pay just $145.85 for unlimited access to local transit. Before the U-Pass, students would pay $580 for a bus pass from September-April for access to just St. Catharines Transit, which shows the huge amount of savings this has created for students taking transit. An additional benefit to the UPass is that it has made many people choose to take public transportation as opposed to driving, meaning less traffic congestion on campus, being able to find a parking spot for those who choose to or must drive, in parking lots on campus and being a
more environmentally friendly Students’ Union and University.

Can I opt out?

No, there is no automatic opt-out option. All undergraduate students taking 1.5 or more credits are charged this mandatory fee. Students may appeal this fee for legitimate reasons. Some of these reasons include, but are not limited to: exchange and co-op students away for the full 8 months, documented physical disability that prevents taking public transit, and attending Hamilton Campus. More about the appeals process will be outlined below.

But I have a car. I don't need or want a bus pass and I already paid for a parking pass. Why should I have to pay for a bus pass?

You may have a car, and may also have a parking pass. However, it does not necessarily follow that you have a parking spot. For both Zones 1 & 2, parking services sells more passes than spots available in the lots. So, be prepared to hunt for a long time, particularly during peak hours. The bus pass gives you an alternative mode of transportation, which can become especially useful if you’re unfortunate and have car trouble, or if you find yourself uncomfortable driving in certain road conditions.

It seems unfair that drivers have been hit so hard. But the simple reality is that Brock is expanding at a rapid rate and cannot keep expanding its parking lots proportionately. There simply isn't enough land, and multi-story parkades are prohibitively expensive.