Students Demand Changes to St. Clair College Bus Pass Policy

Students at St. Clair College are calling for changes to the college’s bus pass system after a significant increase in costs has left many feeling financially burdened. The price of the Saints Pass bus pass rose dramatically to more than $800 this year, up from around $300 following a contract renewal. This increase has prompted students like Yechun Zhu, a second-year international student, to advocate for an option to opt out of the mandatory fee.

Zhu, who lives a seven-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, filed paperwork to exempt herself from the bus pass requirement. However, her request was denied. “They said, first of all, 40 percent has been reached. So you’re out of luck,” she stated, expressing frustration over the decision. The current policy allows students to opt out only if they live outside of Transit Windsor’s service area or have purchased a parking pass.

Zhu is not alone in her concerns. First-year student Lulu Bai shares similar sentiments, stating that the cost of the bus pass is a substantial financial burden, particularly for international students who already face higher tuition fees. “We hope the college reconsiders the rule,” she said, highlighting the growing discontent among students regarding the bus pass program.

Significant Price Increase and Policy Restrictions

The Saints Pass program is administered by the Student Representative Council (SRC) at St. Clair College, which has seen its opt-out demand exceed the cap of 40 percent this year. Pratham Singh Benipal, the SRC president, explained that the cap was established due to historical usage patterns and that students had been allowed leniency in the past. “We do understand, and I know it’s frustrating for the students who live close,” he remarked in an interview.

The increase in bus pass costs was ratified by students in a referendum held in February 2023. According to Benipal, the SRC opted for a referendum because of the substantial rise in fees proposed by Transit Windsor. He noted that the price increase was determined by the number of students utilizing the program, asserting that the current rate is still over 40 percent cheaper than purchasing individual transit passes.

The contract for the bus pass includes a clause stipulating that the cost will rise annually on September 1, either by 3.5 percent or according to the Consumer Price Index, whichever is greater. This means that the pass could cost $851 next year and $881 in the final year of the contract.

Student Voices and Future Considerations

Students at St. Clair College have begun circulating a petition to address the opt-out issue, reflecting a growing demand for more flexible policies. Zhu hopes that her voice, along with others, will lead to a reconsideration of the rules governing the bus pass program.

A spokesperson for the City of Windsor confirmed the current bus pass cost but clarified that the SRC determines the eligibility criteria for opting out. While the SRC recognizes the concerns raised by students, the existing limitations were imposed by Transit Windsor.

As the debate continues, students are encouraged to voice their concerns directly to Transit Windsor. Benipal acknowledged the need for potential reviews of the policy in the future, emphasizing the SRC’s commitment to representing student interests.

The situation at St. Clair College highlights the need for educational institutions to assess their transportation policies in light of student feedback and financial realities. As the cost of living continues to rise, addressing such issues becomes increasingly critical for student satisfaction and support.