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USC to launch nation's first U-pass scheme
The University of the Sunshine Coast will tomorrow launch an innovative scheme designed to significantly boost public transport use among students.
In a trial project with the Sunshine Coast Council and TransLink, the University will begin distributing 2,000 U-pass cards that will provide students with up to $70 worth of subsidised bus travel each this semester.
The U-pass launch at the USC bus interchange at 10am will be attended by USC’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Greg Hill, Sunshine Coast Councillor Vivien Griffin, and TransLink Senior Product Officer David Tashke.
The six-month trial is expected to cost up to $213,000, with the Council contributing $73,000 towards administration costs through its Public Transport Levy funding, TransLink providing $15,000 in equipment, and the University covering student travel subsidies.
If the trial is successful, all University of the Sunshine Coast students could soon be provided with University identification cards that double as TransLink go cards.
The scheme is aimed at promoting public transport use, reducing vehicle use and congestion, boosting safety, improving transit services and helping the environment.
— Terry Walsh