New U-pass a money-saver for some students and a waste for others

University students in Winnipeg have to pony up more for tuition this year as the controversial mandatory bus pass, known as the U-Pass, is officially introduced.

Luke Savard, 19, discovered the $130charge ($260 annually)on his fall tuition bill and was shocked to learn unlike health and dental fees he could not opt-out.

The second year linguistics student says the mandatory fee stings because he's already paying for his vehicle and a $560parking spot at the University of Manitoba.

"We're already paying for so much around here at the university and I feel having to be forced to pay for two modes of transportation when the university knows you're only going to be using one is not fair," Savard told CBC New Friday. "It's not the right thing to do to students who work really hard for their money -- as does everyone."

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Savard said the bus isn't an efficient option from his St. Vital home. And bus service isn't an option at all for some students living in new developments.

Donny Weng,a first-year engineering student,lives in Bridgwater Lakes where he saidtransit service isn't running yet.

"I think it's unfair ... I cannot use it," saidWeng."I'm a new immigrant to Canada ... I have no earnings right now so it's [a lot] for me."

On the other side, Weng said he has friends who want and would benefit from a U-Pass but don't qualify for them because they're part-time students.

"I know they want to encourage us to take the bus to save money, and protect the environment ... but I should have the option if I would like to buy or not buy."

Part of the issue for newer students like Savard and Weng is they never had a say about the U-pass. The 2014 referendumson the passes wereheld before theywere students

Second year international relations student Nnedi Agu didn't vote in the referendum either but was all smiles whenshe whipped outher shiny new bus card.

"Last year I had to pay like 70 bucks every monthand if I add it upthat's alot compared to what the U-pass offers," Agu said,but she agrees students who don't or can't use it, should be given more choice.

Tanjit Nagra, President of the University of Manitoba Students Union said opt-outsare available to students who require Handi-Transit or live outside the city limits.

"Unfortunately we weren't able to get opt-outs for folks that have parking passes but in four years from now we have the infrastructure for rapid transit and perhaps it will be a better option to use transit over a car," said Nagra, adding the contract is for four years and she is encouraging students to provide feedback for future negotiations.