U-Pass

I was pleased to read a piece in Tuesday’s Gateway (the student newspaper at the U of A) indicating in the headline that “Initial U-pass reactions primarily positive” [link]. I’m not surprised given the strong endorsement undergraduates and graduate students gave the program in referenda held earlier this year, and further given the number of enthusiastic students and parents whose doors I’ve knocked on.

It is a relief, however, since there’s always uncertainty with a program of this magnitude. I have a certain personal investment in the U-Pass too, as I worked closely on negotiations while I was Advocacy Director of the U of A Students’ Union.

It was especially fulfilling last week for me to meet a houseful of students renting in the Queen Alex area who were very excited about the program, including one who said she’d never taken the bus before and wouldn’t have thought to try it but for the U-Pass, adding that she finds it much more convenient than she expected and will continue to use it.

Multiply her experience by a few thousand and we’re starting to change a city.