Councillors support waiving Laurier students’ mandatory U-Pass fee until fall 2021

BRANTFORD, ON – Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago, Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus has helped create a more inclusive, creative and vibrant downtown.

At their City Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, Councillors rarified amending the City’s Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) Agreement with Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) and Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union (WLUSU).

In response to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Brantford, WLU and WLUSU have agreed to continue the exemption of student U-Pass fees through to fall 2021. Under previous agreements, WLU students paid a mandatory yearly fee that allowed unlimited Brantford Transit ridership options.

 “Given we are still dealing with several uncertainties related to the ongoing pandemic, and recognizing our ongoing partnership with Laurier Brantford, we are pleased that Council supported continuing to waive U-Pass fees," said Mike Bradley, Director of Fleet and Transit Services.

Initiated in fall 2009, the U-Pass is a successful transit fare program that offers WLU students unlimited access to transit services during the academic year, effectively enabling students to lower their transportation costs while promoting environmental stewardship.

To accommodate Laurier students who wish to take advantage of unlimited access to Brantford Transit services, students can purchase a special 4-month term pass for $175.00, now available at the Downtown Brantford Transit Terminal at 64 Darling Street.

Transfer Payment Agreement – Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program

At Tuesday’s meeting, Council also approved a transfer payment agreement (TPA) with the Province and the City is set to receive $10,180,402 in grant funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Public Transit stream.

The following Transit projects were submitted through the application process:

• Bus replacement – 13 conventional and 8 specialized
• Replacement of onboard equipment on conventional and specialized buses
• Bus Pad and Shelter Replacement Program
• Transit centre hoists, bus wash and fuel pump upgrades

The ICIP is a Federal program designed to create long-term economic growth, build inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities, and support a low-carbon economy.

Extra cleaning measures in place

The City is grateful to our provincial partners for providing $56,000 in funding to be applied to extra cleaning measures that are now regularly conducted on City buses since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. All Brantford Transit buses are cleaned and disinfected every 24 hours including frequent touchpoints like handrails, buttons, seats and straps. At this time, the City is asking passengers to limit travel for essential purposes only. Passengers are reminded to continue to adhere to safety protocols, including regular hand washing, wearing face coverings, and maintaining physical distancing.

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