Referendum on U-Pass favourably accepted by Algonquin College students

Algonquin College students have voted to move forward to join OC Transpo’s Universal Transit Pass program (U-Pass). This decision was determined through a referendum which resulted in an 83 per cent level of support from the 40 per cent of eligible voters who voted. The tentative agreement between the City of Ottawa and both Algonquin College and the Algonquin Students’ Association, which affects approximately 16,000 full-time students, will be subject to final approval by City Council in early 2015 and would take effect September 1, 2015.

“This new development for the support of the U-Pass is very gratifying because both the City and student representatives from Algonquin have been determined to introduce U-Pass so that all students at Algonquin could have access to affordable public transit,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Algonquin College is now the fourth post-secondary institution in Ottawa to adopt the U-Pass, making our U-Pass Program one of the largest and most successful in Canada.”

“Algonquin students have given the U-Pass Program a resounding vote of confidence today,” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the Transit Commission. “These students will all have access to the benefits of using a full-fare transit pass for less than $200 per school term.”

The U-Pass is for full-time students, has no age restriction, and is valid on OC Transpo buses and trains, STO buses, and Para Transpo service in the urban area. Students who live outside OC Transpo’s service area while attending school may choose to opt-out of the U-Pass program. The administration of the U-Pass program will be done under the auspices of Algonquin College staff and the Algonquin Students’ Association.

For more information on the U-Pass or other transit initiatives, please visit octranspo.com or call 613-741-4390 .