A while back I wrote about how much money it was plausible to save by taking public transportation. Since then, I have became aware that there are a a number of varying options for student bus passes across the country. The example I used of the pass in Winnipeg ended up being roughly average, so that’s fine as far as the comparison went; however, shortly after finding out about various options across Canada I thought it may be interesting to note the differences.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of student bus passes in Canada is the potential of a majority of university students on some campuses to make the passes mandatory. Universities which includes the University of Ottawa, the University of Victoria, Saint Mary’s University, and the University of Western Ontario have held student referendums where students elected to include bus passes together with their all around tuition and student user fees. At Ottawa this resulted in a law suit by nine students against the University simply because they felt discriminated against.
Naturally this scenario has some positives and disadvantages. The extremely low cost of public transportation for people who use it is an indisputable incentive. For those campuses the cost was decreased to approximately a hundred dollars flat for the year! This is likely because of the increasing volume of sales. The fact that students are compelled to get passes would definitely also benefit the overall usage rates. This has great spin-off environmental effects, together with the previously mentioned financial ones.
For me personally, the disadvantages are far more prevalent to me. During my time at the University of Manitoba we had a referendum on whether to come up with a mandatory package for public transportation to be supported by all students. I quite frankly can not get past the fact that it shouldn’t be considered realistic for a negligible majority of students to trample the legal rights of a huge minority and take money out of their wallets to subsidize their chosen mode of transportation. If I remember correctly, there was already a percentage of the money used from parking service fees to help counteract student bus pass costs. This is still a tough sell for me regardless of the environmental benefits. Naturally as a vehicle owner I am definitely bias.
My personal distaste for specific aspects of public transportation is most likely a result of the Winnipeg pubic transit system. Regardless of how much money I was saving I couldn’t rationalize the constant waste of time. The schedules were hardly ever correct, the constant disrespect of travellers, and the horrible weather aspect of life in Winnipeg, was more than enough to motivate me to get my own vehicle.
If perhaps I had went to school in British Columbia I would possibly have a very different perspective of student bus passes. After a comment from a local with regards to her public transportation experience, I reviewed the Vancouver area options. I was impressed by the fantastic bargain they got and the fact it was not subsidized by other students (this means it doesn’t punish the students that walk, bike, or drive to school). The U-Pass (universal pass) is available to post-secondary students for the low price of $30 monthly. The great part of the deal is that this doesn’t only just cover the bus, but the Seabus and SkyTrain services as well! With such a complete variety of options I would presume there is a great deal of success with the program there.
In contrast, Winnipeg charges over $70 monthly for its sloppy patchwork of buses. Other monthly public transportation rates for students consist of $89 for a metro pass in Toronto, $41 in Montreal for a merged metro and bus pass, $71 for a student bus pass in Saskatoon, and Calgary didn’t actually have a student price from the information I have been able to see on their site. The basic adult rate there for a monthly bus pass is $90.
One more thing for people (not just students) who use bus passes should be aware of is the non-refundable tax credit available. For most people you may get a pretty good idea of how much money you should receive on your taxes by multiplying the annual price of your bus passes by .15 (15%). This is a wonderful little reward incentive for people who are already financially and environmentally mindful enough to use public transportation.
Having a student bus pass is a popular approach to saving money when attending school. Student public transportation is essential to any university planning to make a subsidised program to their students.
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New automobiles have that incredible, shiny look. They smell new and feel almost dreamlike. Used cars have been driven and owned by a previous person. But, the big difference between them is the price. Most used vehicles cost much less than new automobiles. And, even if you do buy a new one, the moment you drive it off the lot, its value automatically depreciates! There are few things to consider when buying any vehicle.
The pros and cons of pre-owned vehicles vary from person to person. To avoid narrowing your chances to only a new automobile, consider this option when choosing your next pre-owned vehicle. Take someone you trust with you who is knowledgeable in autos. They don’t have to be a mechanic, although a mechanic is better. Ask them to take a deeper look at the car you are interested in.
A person who knows automobiles has a better chance of choosing a good vehicle. You don’t want to end up with a lemon. Some pre-owned vehicles can be lemons, however, so can some new vehicles. This is usually a chance you take when buying an automobile. But, by having this person with you, you can minimize this risk. And, be sure to make personal vehicle comparisons online and not just in the lot.
Nearly all automobile dealers can be found online. If you can’t find one, try visiting their local business listing. Usually you can find ratings on those dealers there. But, for those listed, make sure you look at all their inventory available. You can also view reviews from previous owners or buyers. For a more in-depth comparison of the vehicle you want, check into other sites. Look at sites that have listed common conditions or problems with the automobile you may be interested in.
Impounded autos are another option to try. These have been reclaimed by dealers or owners to be resold again. And, usually they’re sold at a fraction of what they were initially paid for. An individual seller is yet another option to try. These people usually sell their pre-owned vehicle because they need some extra money. Typically the sum of the automobile is paid in full before they hand you the keys and title.
Past problems and engine concerns can usually be solved by asking questions. Previous owners will usually tell you if there are any issues with the automobile. Usually vehicles sold by an individual are pretty well cared for. Dealers will tell you past vehicle information so long as you ask. And, you have to make sure you ask the right questions.
New vehicles often require an impeccable line of credit. They also sometimes require a good down-payment or none at all, in order to purchase your vehicle. It’s easier to obtain a pre-owned vehicle since your credit doesn’t have to be spotless. Even people with bad credit can receive a very good pre-owned vehicle.
When it comes to buying used cars, make sure you keep these tips in mind. Check out all your vehicle resources, online and offline. Compare dealers, and used cars that interest you. Ask questions and try out automobiles as you shop. Remember to not speed shop through automobiles. This will only increase your risk of picking out a lemon instead of a reliable vehicle.
Get inside info on the benefits of buying used cars in comparison to new cars now in our guide to everything you need to know about how and where to find Honda Toronto dealerships.
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A while back I had written about how much money it was plausible to save by taking public transportation. Since that time, I have discovered that there are a many different possibilities for student bus passes throughout the country. The example I used of the pass in Winnipeg turned out to be around average, so that’s fine as far as the comparison proceeded to go; however, shortly after checking out various options across Canada I thought it might be useful to make note of the differences.
Possibly the most debatable part of student bus passes in Canada is the capability of a majority of students on some campuses to make the passes mandatory. Universities which includes the University of Ottawa, the University of Victoria, Saint Mary’s University, and the University of Western Ontario have organized student referendums where students decided to add bus passes as part of their overall tuition and student user fees. At Ottawa this led to a law suit by nine students against the University felt discriminated against.
Obviously this predicament has some advantages and disadvantages. The very low cost of public transportation for those that use it is an unquestionable incentive. For those campuses the cost was reduced to close to a hundred dollars flat for the year! This is likely because of the additional volume of sales. The fact that students are obligated to get passes would definitely also improve the overall usage rates. This has excellent spin-off environmental effects, in addition to the aforementioned financial ones.
Myself personally, the disadvantages are much more prevalent to me. During my time at the University of Manitoba there was a referendum on whether to come up with a compulsory bundle for public transportation to be supported by all students. I quite frankly can’t get past the fact that it shouldn’t be considered realistic for a slight majority of students to trample the legal rights of a large minority and take money out of their pockets to subsidize their preferred mode of transportation. If I remember correctly, there was presently a percentage of the money used from parking fees to help offset student bus pass costs. This is still a tough sell for me despite the environmental benefits. Obviously as a car owner I am definitely bias.
My own distaste for specific aspects of public transportation is probably a result of the Winnipeg pubic transit system. It doesn’t matter how much money I was saving I couldn’t rationalize the constant waste of time. The schedules were hardly ever correct, the constant rudeness of passengers, and the awful weather aspect of life in Winnipeg, was enough to motivate me to get my own vehicle.
However, if I had went to school in British Columbia I might have a very different view of student bus passes. After a remark from a local with regards to her public transportation experience, I checked out the Vancouver area alternatives. I was blown away by the good bargain they got and the fact it was not subsidized by other students (this means it doesn’t penalize the students that walk, bike, or drive to school). The U-Pass (universal pass) is readily availablefor sale to post-secondary students for the low price of $30 each month. The really good part of the deal is that this doesn’t solely cover the bus, but the Seabus and SkyTrain services as well! With such a comprehensive variety of options I would assume there is a great deal of success with the program presently there.
In comparison, Winnipeg charges over $70 a month for its poor patchwork of buses. Other monthly public transportation rates for students include $89 for a metro pass in Toronto, $41 in Montreal for a combined metro and bus pass, $71 for a student bus pass in Saskatoon, and Calgary didn’t actually have a student rate from the information I was able to see on their web site. The general adult rate there for a regular bus pass is $90.
One other thing people (not just students) who use bus passes should be advised of is the non-refundable tax credit available. For many people you can find a pretty good idea of how much money you should get back on your taxes by multiplying the annual cost of your bus passes by .15 (15%). This is a wonderful little bonus incentive for those of you who are already financially and environmentally conscious enough to use public transportation.
Getting a student bus pass is a popular approach to saving money when attending school. Student public transportation is important to any university that is thinking make a subsidised service to their students.
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