Transit pass brings in less money than expected

[A. Wong]

Transit pass brings in less money than expected

But program proves popular with students

The Edmonton Journal

Friday, July 11, 2008

EDMONTON - Revenue for the first year of the U-Pass program was $760,000 less than the city anticipated.

That's the finding of a review to be presented to the transportation and public works committee July 15.

The report said the pass has been "warmly received" and complaints have been "almost non-existent," with only 34 filed during the 2007-08 school year.

More than 10,000 students paid $90 each for the passes through their school fees.

Almost 90 per cent of eligible students used the passes, and a department survey found 93 per cent of students were satisfied with the pass.

The decreased revenue is the result of lower-than-expected enrolment, the report said.

It suggested the city take a bigger portion of the revenue next year: 84 per cent compared to the current 80 per cent.

The rest of the revenue is split between St. Albert Transit and Strathcona Transit.

© The Edmonton Journal 2008

[mersar]

And thats why Calgary Transit went with a slightly different model: the UPass fee is mandatory for all students at the institutions that are involved, whether they use it or not. So probably close to 50,000 students at around $150/year ($75 per semester for Fall and Winter) between the half dozen plus institutions involved.

Other then that, it is good to hear they will be continuing the program, its definitely a good way to get people to start riding transit now, and hopefully into the future.

[A. Wong]

That's the same way ours works too, but only across 2 institutions and 3 transit systems.

[mersar]

That's the same way ours works too, but only across 2 institutions and 3 transit systems.

I think that article was a bit off in terms of the numbers then, as U of A has well over 25,000 full time students from what I recall. And the shortfall would be equiv to 4200 students.