Student universal bus passes extended for one year

THUNDER BAY – Student unions at Confederation College and Lakehead University have agreed with the City of Thunder Bay to extend the universal bus partnership for another year.

The deal will cost full-term students $102.50 at each school and $69 for those attending class between January 2017 and August 2017. This is an $8.50 increase for full-year students and an $11 hike for half-year students.

In a report expected to be presented on Monday to city council, it’s stated all parties “have agreed to continue discussions and negotiations with respect to establishing appropriate pricing, validity periods and accompanying terms and conditions for a new multi-year U-Pass agreement, which would be expected to commence on Sept. 1, 2017.

Combined, students at the two schools will pay the city $820,080 under the new one-year deal.

In 2013 both the Lakehead University Student Union and Student Union of Confederation College Inc. agreed to three-year U-Pass deals. Those deals expire on Aug. 31.

The mandatory passes provide unlimited access to conventional transit services.

Council will vote on approving the extension during Monday night’s committee of the whole meeting.