A message from the Niagara College Student Administrative Council:
Hey Knights!
As many of you know, transit and the return of the U-Pass has been a topic of discussion at Niagara College for the last couple of years.
NCSAC advocates on behalf of all NC students and in this situation, the only fair way to make the decision is to have you – Niagara College students- make the decision for yourselves by voting in a referendum. This will help us understand if the service is still of value to students.
What is a referendum?
A referendum is a survey of all Niagara College students to see if they agree with a specific question. The actions of NCSAC moving forward will be based on the results of the referendum question.
U-Pass referendum question:
Do you support the creation of a mandatory Universal Bus Pass (through Niagara Regional Transit) for all Niagara College students, at the cost of $265 per semester, starting in September 2023 as outlined in the 2023 U-Pass Terms of Reference?
Take the time to visit www.yournctransit.ca and research your decision.
If the vote passes:
If 51% of the Niagara College student body votes “yes” – in favour of the U-Pass – the referendum passes. This means a mandatory 2023/24 U-Pass fee of $265 will be charged to all NC students each semester, regardless of their method of travel to campus. Any future increases to the U-Pass due to inflation will be negotiated with Niagara Regional Transit but would be limited to 5% at a maximum.
If the vote fails:
If 51% of the Niagara College student body votes “no” – against the U-Pass – the referendum fails. There will be no mandatory U-Pass for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students who take Niagara Regional Transit buses will have to pay full price for monthly passes. This can be up to $160/month which equates to $640 each semester.
How to vote:
Voting begins Monday March 13 at 12:01a.m.
All NC students will receive a ballot in their @ncstudents.niagaracollege.ca inbox. Students have until 4p.m. on March 16 to vote.
Any students who have questions about the U-Pass referendum can connect with NCSAC by visiting www.yourncsac.ca and using their virtual chat. Students can also connect with NCSAC on social media @yourncsac on Instagram and Facebook or, they can stop by the NCSAC offices at either the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on the-Lake, or the Welland Campus. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4p.m. Monday – Friday.
