By Jesse-Ann Hennessey
Special to KingsCountyNews.ca
A definite “no” is what Acadia students said to the proposed U-pass last week, with nearly 81 per cent voting against the proposal.
Kings Transit was proposing full-time students pay a mandatory $125 on their tuition and part-time students pay $65 for unlimited free access to all King Transit services, plus extended hours, discounts at several retailers, more service between Wolfville and Kentville and better access to route and scheduling information through Google.
The U-pass sounded like a good idea, but Acadia students are not surprised at the results.
Sara Armstrong said she can understand why people would want the U-pass, but can also understand why it didn’t go through.
“Students who have a car already pay $110 for a parking pass and, even then, they are not guaranteed a spot,” she said.
If students can’t find a parking spot, they need to park at a meter, which cost $1.25 an hour, so why would students who already have parking passes want an extra expense on top of that, she said.
“Maybe if they put in a bigger parking lot.”
If there would have been a choice to opt out of the extra charge for the U-pass, then it would have passed, she said.
“If you would have had an option, it definately would have passed,” Armstrong said.
Taylor Cooper and Brianna Forbes-Crowe said, for people who use the bus it’s a good idea, but a lot of people have cars.
“It’s unnecessary for a lot of people,” said Cooper.
Megan Virgil said she is not surprised it didn’t go through, but she sees the benefits of it.
“I think it’s worth it, there’s not much to do around Wolfville,” Virgil added.
Stephanie Haddad said she voted no to the U-pass.
“Seems like it would be useful, but not for everyone.”
Audrey Eastwood also said she voted no on the U-pass because she has a car, so it’s an extra expense she doesn’t need.
Josh Caines said he thought the U-pass was a bad idea to begin with, as he never uses the bus.
“(I’m) happy it didn’t go through,” he said.
The question of the U-pass was put to a vote at Acadia during regular student council elections.
