The plan for a universal bus pass for Winnipeg university students could cost the city about $3.6 million per year in subsidies, said a new report.
Eight new buses would also be required to support the influx, also costing approximately $3.6 million in a one-time cost for the vehicles.
The passes would cover the school year and cost up to $85 at the University of Manitoba and $100 at the University of Winnipeg. The costs would be built into the students’ tuition fees.
The pass fee would be mandatory except for students living outside of the city or students with a disability who are unable to take public transit.
Other Canadian cities have seen a 50 per cent increase inpost-secondary student ridership on transit with similar programs.
