St. Clair College Students Call for Changes to Bus Pass System

Students at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, are voicing concerns over the rising cost of their bus passes. Many argue that changes are needed to the current bus pass system, particularly regarding the criteria for opting out of the program. One student, Yechun Zhu, a second-year international student, has been compelled to pay $800 for a pass she does not utilize.

Zhu, who lives a mere seven-minute walk from the nearest bus stop and can bike to campus faster than she can wait for a bus, attempted to opt out of the Saints Pass program this year. However, she was informed that only students who either live outside Transit Windsor’s service area or have purchased a campus parking pass are eligible to do so. Despite the form allowing for additional reasons to be considered, Zhu’s request was denied. “They said, first of all, 40 per cent has been reached. So you’re out of luck,” she stated.

Another student, Lulu Bai, a first-year student, shares Zhu’s frustrations and hopes for a reconsideration of the rules. Both students have noted a rising sentiment among their peers, with a small petition circulating to address these issues.

The Saints Pass program has been in operation for four years, but the cost of the bus pass has surged dramatically, increasing from approximately $300 last year to more than $800 this year. This significant hike was ratified by students in a referendum held in February 2023. The increase was attributed to rates proposed by Transit Windsor, prompting the college to seek student approval due to its size.

Under the current contract, a maximum of 40 per cent of students are permitted to opt out of the bus pass program. This year, demand for opting out has exceeded the cap, forcing the Student Representative Council (SRC) to adhere strictly to the established guidelines. Pratham Singh Benipal, president of the SRC, acknowledged the frustration among students. He noted that while the form does allow for explanations beyond the specified criteria, the overwhelming number of opt-out requests has necessitated a strict enforcement of the policy.

Benipal explained that the criteria for opting out were dictated by Transit Windsor, and that the SRC is listening to students’ concerns. “It’s unfortunate, but we can always review that next time,” he said, encouraging students to voice their issues directly to Transit Windsor.

Despite the price increase, the bus pass remains more than 40 per cent cheaper than standard transit passes. A spokesperson for the City of Windsor confirmed the current pass cost, reiterating that the SRC determines eligibility for opting out.

Looking ahead, the bus pass cost is set to increase annually on September 1, either by 3.5 per cent or according to the Consumer Price Index measure of inflation—whichever is greater. This means that the price could rise to $851 next year and potentially $881 in the final year of the contract.

In contrast, at the University of Windsor, the maximum opt-out rate for bus passes stands at 25 per cent, and students are not allowed to opt out based on proximity to campus.

As St. Clair College students continue to navigate the challenges of rising costs, the conversation surrounding the bus pass program highlights the need for ongoing dialogue between student representatives and the transit authority.