U-Pass Proposal for Acadia University Students
Submitted by:
Kings Transit Authority
Submitted by:
Kings Transit Authority
January 30, 2013
Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................1 Benefits............................................................................................................................................. 1 Vote Yes...........................................................................................................................................1
Background on Kings Transit...................................................................................................................2
Details of the U-Pass Proposal.................................................................................................................2
Free, Unlimited Year-Round Access to all Kings Transit buses......................................................2
Two new routes to better serve students ..........................................................................................3 Discounts for Acadia Students at participating retailers .................................................................. 4 Google Transit..................................................................................................................................4 Student Card Required .....................................................................................................................4 Payments ..........................................................................................................................................4 Term .................................................................................................................................................5 Exemptions ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Benefits of the U-Pass Program ..............................................................................................................
5 All students.......................................................................................................................................5 Students who own cars.....................................................................................................................5 Students who usually walk...............................................................................................................6 Students who use the bus now..........................................................................................................6 Acadia University as a whole...........................................................................................................7
Our neighbours in Wolfville and surrounding communities............................................................7
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................1 Benefits............................................................................................................................................. 1 Vote Yes...........................................................................................................................................1
Background on Kings Transit...................................................................................................................2
Two new routes to better serve students ..........................................................................................3 Discounts for Acadia Students at participating retailers .................................................................. 4 Google Transit..................................................................................................................................4 Student Card Required .....................................................................................................................4 Payments ..........................................................................................................................................4 Term .................................................................................................................................................5 Exemptions ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Benefits of the U-Pass Program ..............................................................................................................
5 All students.......................................................................................................................................5 Students who own cars.....................................................................................................................5 Students who usually walk...............................................................................................................6 Students who use the bus now..........................................................................................................6 Acadia University as a whole...........................................................................................................7
Our neighbours in Wolfville and surrounding communities............................................................7
U-Pass Proposal for Acadia University Students
Executive Summary
Kings Transit is proposing a universal bus pass system (called U-Pass) for Acadia Students, for a two-year trial period starting in September 2013. The proposal includes
The annual cost will be: $125 per full time student and $65 for each part time student.
Benefits
Students will:
Kings Transit is proposing a universal bus pass system (called U-Pass) for Acadia Students, for a two-year trial period starting in September 2013. The proposal includes
The annual cost will be: $125 per full time student and $65 for each part time student.
Benefits
Students will:
-
save money
-
save time
-
gain mobility and independence (and access to more employment, shopping,
entertainment and housing options)
-
help our public transit system better serve the needs of students and others in our
community
-
have input at the Kings Transit board table in shaping our public transit system
-
face less traffic congestion and fewer parking hassles
-
have healthier air to breathe
-
have the satisfaction of making a green choice
-
have another viable way to go when you can’t drive
Acadia University as a whole will be: more green
more accessible
a better neighbour
better able to attract students who rely on public transit
Residents of Wolfville and surrounding communities will enjoy:
better bus service between Wolfville and Kentville
less congested parking lots
less congestion on Highway 1, including on New Minas’ Commercial Street healthier air to breathe
Vote Yes
Kings Transit hopes that Acadia students will see value in this U-Pass partnership and vote “yes” in the February 13 referendum.
unlimited year-round access to all Kings Transit services with:
a tripling of service between Wolfville and Kentville
extended hours of operation
input at the Kings Transit board table by a student representative
discounts for Acadia students at several retailers
better access to route and scheduling information through Google Transit.
As of January 30, 2013 page 1 of 7
Digby County
The Kings Transit vision is:
The Kings Transit vision is:
U-Pass Proposal for Acadia University Students
Background on Kings Transit
For 30 years, Kings Transit has been offering bus service to residents of Kings County. We now offer local transit service between Wolfville and Kentville. And we run buses along Highway #1, providing seamless service from the town of Brooklyn in the east through Windsor, Wolfville, New Minas, Kentville, Berwick, Middleton and Digby to Weymouth in the west.
For 30 years, Kings Transit has been offering bus service to residents of Kings County. We now offer local transit service between Wolfville and Kentville. And we run buses along Highway #1, providing seamless service from the town of Brooklyn in the east through Windsor, Wolfville, New Minas, Kentville, Berwick, Middleton and Digby to Weymouth in the west.
To be a participant in the provision of viable public transportation
systems/services for the Annapolis Valley and Western Nova Scotia.
Our mission is:
To provide accessible, affordable and timely public transportation where municipalities provide support and resources.
Kings Transit offers a fully accessible fleet with low floor buses as well as wheel chair lifts on our smaller units.
Details of the U-Pass Proposal
Free, Unlimited Year-Round Access to all Kings Transit buses
Acadia University students will have free unlimited year-round access to all Kings Transit buses on all routes. This would include all existing bus routes plus two new routes between Wolfville and Kentville introduced to better serve students’ needs. These routes would all be guaranteed throughout the term of this agreement (from September 1, 2013 until August 31, 2015). Graduate students would also be eligible for the U-Pass program for the same fees as undergrads if they accept the proposition at the referendum.
Our mission is:
To provide accessible, affordable and timely public transportation where municipalities provide support and resources.
Kings Transit offers a fully accessible fleet with low floor buses as well as wheel chair lifts on our smaller units.
Details of the U-Pass Proposal
Free, Unlimited Year-Round Access to all Kings Transit buses
Acadia University students will have free unlimited year-round access to all Kings Transit buses on all routes. This would include all existing bus routes plus two new routes between Wolfville and Kentville introduced to better serve students’ needs. These routes would all be guaranteed throughout the term of this agreement (from September 1, 2013 until August 31, 2015). Graduate students would also be eligible for the U-Pass program for the same fees as undergrads if they accept the proposition at the referendum.
Hants County
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U-Pass Proposal for Acadia University Students
Two new routes to better serve students
The current route between Wolfville and Kentville:
leaves Wolfville (Baptist Church) at 15 minutes past the hour, arriving in
Kentville (Cornwallis Inn) at 45 minutes past the hour
leaves Kentville (Aliant building) at 25 minutes past the hour, arriving in
Wolfville (Town Centre bus shelter) at 53 minutes past the hour.
Two new routes between Wolfville and Kentville will be introduced to better serve
students’ needs. They are the Evangeline Express and the Belcher Street Bus.
Evangeline Express: 7:15 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This bus would travel between Wolfville and Kentville, on the Evangeline Trail (Main St. in Wolfville, Commercial St. in New Minas and Park St. in Kentville). This service will not go through neighborhoods or into parking lots, allowing faster travel time through this commercial corridor. The service would begin in Kentville at 7:15 a.m. and the last bus would leave Kentville at 10:15 p.m. The service would begin in Wolfville at 7:45 a.m. (downtown) with the last departure from Wolfville at 10:45 p.m. terminating at the Kings Transit headquarters in New Minas.
The current route between Wolfville and Kentville:
leaves Wolfville (Baptist Church) at 15 minutes past the hour, arriving in
Kentville (Cornwallis Inn) at 45 minutes past the hour
leaves Kentville (Aliant building) at 25 minutes past the hour, arriving in
Wolfville (Town Centre bus shelter) at 53 minutes past the hour.
Two new routes between Wolfville and Kentville will be introduced to better serve
students’ needs. They are the Evangeline Express and the Belcher Street Bus.
Evangeline Express: 7:15 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This bus would travel between Wolfville and Kentville, on the Evangeline Trail (Main St. in Wolfville, Commercial St. in New Minas and Park St. in Kentville). This service will not go through neighborhoods or into parking lots, allowing faster travel time through this commercial corridor. The service would begin in Kentville at 7:15 a.m. and the last bus would leave Kentville at 10:15 p.m. The service would begin in Wolfville at 7:45 a.m. (downtown) with the last departure from Wolfville at 10:45 p.m. terminating at the Kings Transit headquarters in New Minas.
The Belcher Street Bus: 7 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
This route would run between Wolfville and Kentville via Port Williams and along Belcher Street past Kingstec, North Kentville and the Valley Regional Hospital. The first buses would leave Kentville at 7:00 a.m. and Wolfville at 7:30 a.m. The last buses would leave Kentville at 10 p.m. and Wolfville at 10:30 p.m. terminating at the Kings Transit headquarters in New Minas.
This route would run between Wolfville and Kentville via Port Williams and along Belcher Street past Kingstec, North Kentville and the Valley Regional Hospital. The first buses would leave Kentville at 7:00 a.m. and Wolfville at 7:30 a.m. The last buses would leave Kentville at 10 p.m. and Wolfville at 10:30 p.m. terminating at the Kings Transit headquarters in New Minas.
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U-Pass Proposal for Acadia University Students
Discounts for Acadia Students at participating retailers
As part of the U-Pass program, Kings Transit has negotiated discounts for Acadia students at retailers including:
Boston Pizza 10%
Staples 10%
Swiss Chalet 15%
Maritime Bus $25 annual Valu-Pak
Canadian Tire automotive services 10% Jungle Jim’s 10%
Google Transit
The Kings Transit core system will be on Google Transit prior to the U-Pass program beginning on September 1, 2013.
Student Card Required
Students must present their Acadia Student ID cards to travel on all Kings Transit routes without paying a fare.
Payments
Students will pay their U-Pass fees ($125 for a full-time student and $65 for a part-time student) following the same schedule as other student fees.
As part of the U-Pass program, Kings Transit has negotiated discounts for Acadia students at retailers including:
Boston Pizza 10%
Staples 10%
Swiss Chalet 15%
Maritime Bus $25 annual Valu-Pak
Canadian Tire automotive services 10% Jungle Jim’s 10%
Google Transit
The Kings Transit core system will be on Google Transit prior to the U-Pass program beginning on September 1, 2013.
Student Card Required
Students must present their Acadia Student ID cards to travel on all Kings Transit routes without paying a fare.
Payments
Students will pay their U-Pass fees ($125 for a full-time student and $65 for a part-time student) following the same schedule as other student fees.
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U-Pass Proposal for Acadia University Students
Term
The U-Pass contract will fix the annual fees for the entire two-year term. The fees and additional system improvements will be negotiated at end of the term with a two-year extension.
Exemptions
A student may be exempt from the U-Pass program (i.e. pay no fee and receive no U-Pass benefits) if they provide:
o 10% at Staples New Minas including electronics and furniture
o 15% at Swiss Chalet New Minas
o $25 annual Valu-Pak with Maritime Bus
o 10% on automotive services at Canadian Tire in New Minas
o 15% at Jungle Jim’s New Minas
o on bus fares and parking
o on operating, maintaining and repairing your vehicle whenever you choose
to take the bus Save time!
o whenever you take the bus (trips from Wolfville to New Minas will take only 15 minutes and trips to Kentville will be as short as 25 minutes)
o when you don’t have to hunt for a parking spot Have a say!
o in how our public transit system works Take pride!
o in playing a significant role in helping make Acadia a living model of social, economic and environmental sustainability
Have the satisfaction!
o your choice to use the bus, even occasionally, is greener than driving alone o knowing you’ve greatly improved Kings Transit for all residents of the
area
Students who own cars
Save money!
o With a 10% discount on service work at Canadian Tire on the cost of
routine car maintenance like oil changes and winterizing as well as repairs Save more!
The U-Pass contract will fix the annual fees for the entire two-year term. The fees and additional system improvements will be negotiated at end of the term with a two-year extension.
Exemptions
A student may be exempt from the U-Pass program (i.e. pay no fee and receive no U-Pass benefits) if they provide:
-
a medical note stating that public transit services are not appropriate for them due
to medical reasons or
-
valid proof of disability such as Canadian National Institute for the Blind
registration
Benefits of the U-Pass Program
All students
Save money!
o 10% at Staples New Minas including electronics and furniture
o 15% at Swiss Chalet New Minas
o $25 annual Valu-Pak with Maritime Bus
o 10% on automotive services at Canadian Tire in New Minas
o 15% at Jungle Jim’s New Minas
o on bus fares and parking
o on operating, maintaining and repairing your vehicle whenever you choose
to take the bus Save time!
o whenever you take the bus (trips from Wolfville to New Minas will take only 15 minutes and trips to Kentville will be as short as 25 minutes)
o when you don’t have to hunt for a parking spot Have a say!
o in how our public transit system works Take pride!
o in playing a significant role in helping make Acadia a living model of social, economic and environmental sustainability
Have the satisfaction!
o your choice to use the bus, even occasionally, is greener than driving alone o knowing you’ve greatly improved Kings Transit for all residents of the
area
Students who own cars
Save money!
o With a 10% discount on service work at Canadian Tire on the cost of
routine car maintenance like oil changes and winterizing as well as repairs Save more!
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U-Pass Proposal for Acadia University Students
o on operating costs if you choose to use the improved bus service even
occasionally – like when winter road conditions make driving dicey or you
want to avoid parking costs and other parking problems.
want to take advantage of the unlimited access to better, more frequent bus service between Wolfville and Kentville (with three buses per hour vs. the current one and shorter travel times on the two new routes as compared to the existing one)
o the bus will cost you far less than it does now. If you’re a full-time
student, U-Pass will cost only $125 - that’s only 24% of the $520 you currently pay for eight monthly passes for an academic year and only 16% of the $780 you currently pay for a full calendar year. The U-Pass represents a saving of $395 for the academic year and $655 for a calendar year for full-time students and even more for part-time students.
-
Face less traffic congestion!
o on Highway 1 between Wolfville and Kentville, including Commercial
Street in New Minas
-
Have another way to go when you can’t drive. In addition to taxis, now you’ll
have more convenient transit!
-
Have the satisfaction of knowing your choice to use the bus, even occasionally, is
greener than driving alone!
Students who usually walk
-
Save money!
o when you take the bus rather than a cab
-
Save time!
want to take advantage of the unlimited access to better, more frequent bus service between Wolfville and Kentville (with three buses per hour vs. the current one and shorter travel times on the two new routes as compared to the existing one)
-
Save on rent!
o if you choose to commute by bus, you’ll have access to lower rents in Port
Williams, New Minas and Kentville as compared to Wolfville (sources
CMHC and local realtors)
-
Look for jobs in New Minas and Kentville!
o where there is a wider range and larger number of employment opportunities
-
Have the satisfaction of knowing your choice to use the bus, even occasionally, is
greener than taking a cab.
-
Increase your independence and mobility without paying a dime when you hop on
a bus!
Students who use the bus now
o the bus will cost you far less than it does now. If you’re a full-time
student, U-Pass will cost only $125 - that’s only 24% of the $520 you currently pay for eight monthly passes for an academic year and only 16% of the $780 you currently pay for a full calendar year. The U-Pass represents a saving of $395 for the academic year and $655 for a calendar year for full-time students and even more for part-time students.
-
Save on rent if you choose to commute by bus.
o you’ll have access to lower rents in Port Williams, New Minas and
Kentville as compared to Wolfville (sources CMHC and local realtors)
-
Have better access to the wider range and larger number of jobs in New Minas
and Kentville.
-
Save time and have greater flexibility and mobility when you’re doing errands or
socializing! With unlimited access to better, more frequent bus service between
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U-Pass Proposal for Acadia University Students
Wolfville and Kentville (with three buses per hour vs. the current one and shorter
travel times).
Acadia University as a whole
Acadia University as a whole
-
Become more green, more accessible and a better neighbour
-
Join the greenest Universities in yet another way! Many other Canadian and U.S.
universities and colleges already have a U-Pass program but Acadia would be the
first outside of a major urban area to get on board.
-
Enjoy an even stronger position as a leader with respect to social, economic and
environmental sustainability
-
Be better able to attract students who rely on public transit
Our neighbours in Wolfville and surrounding communities
-
Encounter fewer parking hassles
o Less congested parking lots make it easier and more pleasant for folks to
enjoy Wolfville’s shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
-
Face less traffic congestion
o particularly on Highway 1 between Wolfville and Kentville, including Commercial Street in New Minas
-
Enjoy healthier air to breathe with reduced CO2 emissions
-
Know a greatly improved transit system offers us all more mobility and
independence
-
Have another way to go when they can’t drive. In addition to taxis, now they’ll
have more convenient transit!
-
Encounter fewer parking hassles
Be able to free up parking spots on and around the campus for our guests and
neighbours
As of January 30, 2013 page 7 of 7
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