UPEI students vote on bus pass

Students at UPEI are voting this year on whether to accept a large discount on a Charlottetown bus pass, on the condition that every student buy one.

The student union is holding a referendum on whether full-time students want to pay $25 per semester for a pass. The regular rate is $200 a semester.

Voting appears to be split between those already using the bus, and those who don't. UPEI student Michael Leblanc, who lives close to the university, told CBC News Tuesday he walks everywhere or gets a ride from friends.

"I probably wouldn't want to pay another $50 if I'm not going to use the service," he said.

"How am I going to vote? Probably against."

Students who use the bus a lot say saving $175 a semester would be a big help for them.

This is the third year the referendum has been posed alongside UPEI's fall election. It was rejected in the last two elections.

If the proposal passes there would be a two-year trial period, then students would go back to the polls to vote on whether they want it to become permanent.

Student union president Justin Douglas said last year's vote was close, and he hopes it passes this year.