St. Clair College Student Challenges $800 Bus Pass Requirement

St. Clair College student advocates for changes in bus pass system due to being required to purchase an $800 pass despite not using it. Yechun Zhu, a second-year international student, resides a short walk from a bus stop and can bike to campus faster than waiting for a bus. To opt out of the pass, students must live outside Transit Windsor’s service area or hold a campus parking pass. However, Zhu, along with other students, faced challenges opting out despite providing valid reasons. The bus pass cost spiked to over $800 this year from around $300, following a contract renewal. The Student Representative Council president mentioned that the 40% opt-out limit was exceeded this year, leading to strict adherence to the policy. The SRC president empathized with students’ concerns and suggested contacting Transit Windsor to express grievances. The pass cost is set to increase annually based on a percentage or inflation measure. Compared to other transit passes, the college pass remains more cost-effective. The University of Windsor imposes a 25% opt-out cap for bus passes and restricts opt-outs for proximity to campus.