The undergraduate referendum question for the proposed spring and summer universal bus pass, or U-Pass, has been given the green light by students’ council and the students’ union lawyer.

The question asks whether or not students support the implementation of a manditory U-Pass for the spring and summer academic terms, costing $36.75 each session.

Students not registered in spring and summer classes will not be charged.

The campuswide referendum is expected to happen in late October or early November.

The students’ union bylaw states that at least 10 per cent of undergraduates must vote for the referendum to be legitimate and that a majority is needed for the motion to pass.

If the referendum passes, undergraduates registered in at least one spring or summer class will have the option to use a discounted bus pass.

The fee will be subject to a yearly consumer price index increase and be added to the students’ union dues.

Normally, a city bus pass for a post-secondary student is $75 per month suring the summer.

A similar U-Pass program is currently in place for undergraduates from September to April. Undergraduates are charged $73.51 per term — or roughly $19 a month —  whether they activate the pass or not. Students who live on campus or outside Saskatoon city limits, who hold a disability parking pass for the U of S or who are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses can apply for an exemption. The same rules for exemption would be applied to a spring and summer U-Pass.

Students who choose to use the pass may activate their student cards at any time during either semester.

Reid Nystuen, the 2011-12 USSU vice-president of operations and finance, spearheaded the spring and summer U-Pass program last year and spent much of his time in office working with Saskatoon Transit.

USSU Vice-President Operations and Finance Steven Heidel, who took over the transit portfolio this year, told students’ council last week that he hopes they choose to support the U-Pass during the two-day online voting period.

He said he’s worked with Saskatoon Transit to put the finishing touches on the potential agreement.

Students in favour of or against the spring and summer U-Pass are invited to register their campaign committee later this month.

Campaign application forms must include an outline of the campaign platform, an advertising budget, contact information of the committee’s leaders as well as a $100 deposit.

[box type=”info” icon=”none”]Do you support the implementation of a Spring and/or Summer U-Pass (universal bus pass) for undergraduate students enrolled in May and/or June (Spring Session, Quarter 1 and 2 or the entire spring term) for $36.75 with a yearly consumer price index adjustment for those students enrolled in May and/or June and for July and/or August (Summer Session, Quarter 3 and 4 or the entire summer term) for a fee of $36.75 with a yearly consumer price index adjustment for those students enrolled in July and/or August.[/box]

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Photo: Raisa Pezderic/The Sheaf