Some University of Regina students are upset that they must submit an opt-out application to avoid a $90 fee for the U-PASS bus pass.
“It was inconvenient,” said Jude Achtymichuk, a fourth-year education student who opted out of U-PASS. “It felt like it was just another thing I had to email the University about.”
U-PASS is a discounted bus pass program for U of R students. It provides students with unlimited use of Regina Transit buses at a reduced cost. U of R students are automatically registered and billed for U-PASS. Students must meet certain requirements set by the University to opt out of U-PASS.
“I found a lot of the time, there’d be a little bit of resistance on their end,” said Achtymichuk. “I would send the email, and they would send me confirmation about ‘Well do you have a ride?’
“They were very adamant that I paid for it. It felt like they were trying to push it onto me, even though I had a vehicle there, I was paying for a parking spot. I had all the necessities I needed to get around the city, but they still wanted me to have the bus pass for whatever reason.”
Not all students are permitted to opt out of U-PASS.
According to the University of Regina website, only students who satisfy at least one part of a set of criteria may opt out. This includes students living on or within one kilometre of campus, students living outside of Regina, and online students, among others.
Students must provide documentation showing that they meet the opt-out requirements, such as mail with an address proving the student’s place of residence.
“A lot of people already use cars, or they ride with their friends or family,” said first-year biochemistry student Jamiel Jandag. “I’m not sure if having it already opted-in for them is the most convenient option.”
Students who take the bus say that U-PASS is an important way to save money.
According to the Regina Transportation, Roads, and Parking website, a normal city bus pass can cost up to $97 per month, totalling about $388 per semester. U-PASS is more affordable, at $90 per semester.
“The U-PASS is a discounted price for students,” said third-year business student Duke Nguyen. “I’ve been here for four years, and for the past four years I’ve loved the U-Pass system.”
Originally established in 2016 by the now-defunct University of Regina Student’s Union, U-PASS is now headed by the University of Regina Student’s Association.
URSA did not respond to emails requesting comment.
