For Immediate Release – January 30, 2020
Vancouver – Today, the BC government announced the renewal of the Universal Transit Pass Agreement (U-Pass BC) between TransLink, public post-secondary institutions, and student associations in Metro Vancouver until 2025. This commitment to the U-Pass BC program is a historic victory that students have been working on for over a decade.
“The U-Pass BC program provides us with the freedom to get around and the security of making life more affordable and convenient,” said Cristina Ilnitchi, the VP External of the AMS at UBC. “It not only connects us to our campuses, our jobs, our region, but it’s also the more accessible and environmentally friendly travel option.”
Since the implementation of U-Pass BC in 2010, students have enjoyed affordable and sustainable modes of transportation, where all three travel zones are included in the cost of U-Pass BC. The renewal of U-Pass BC will continue to foster a generation of transit users, with fewer people driving, less traffic congestion and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This five-year renewal represents the longest timeframe for a U-Pass BC agreement, providing more stability for students who rely on the program.
Support from the Province and TransLink has enabled affordable student rates with minimal annual increases in the long-term. “If we want our public transportation systems to thrive, they need to be affordable for as many people as possible,” said David Eby, MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey. “The announcement that post-secondary students in Vancouver and across the lower mainland will have access to the U-Pass for years to come is great news for our public transit systems, great news for our environment, and great news for our students.”
Between February 2019 to November 2019, Student Associations in Metro Vancouver hosted successful referenda, approving the continuation of the program until April 30, 2025 – and sending a strong message that this is an invaluable service that students depend on.
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Media Contact
Eric Lowe
Manager, Marketing and Communications
AMS of UBC
604-822-1961
ericlowe@ams.ubc.ca
BACKGROUND:
Public Post-Secondary Institutions in Metro Vancouver participating in U-Pass BC:
Program Details
The current $41 monthly U-Pass BC rate for unlimited use of transit in Metro Vancouver will remain in place through to April 30, 2020. On May 1, 2020, the monthly rate will escalate to $42.50, with further annual increases through to May 2024 when the rate will be $46.00 until the end of the 5-year agreement on April 30, 2025.
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