2008 Woodie Awards
Metro discontinues free student U-Pass
Shana Mirhosseini and Danielle Stillman
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Other News
Students will no longer be able to purchase the U-Pass at a discounted rate through the Office of Student Affairs after the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County cancelled its contract with the University on Jan 1.
In the past, students were able to buy U-Passes from the school.
"This certainly was not the school's decision; we had many students benefiting from the U-Pass," Angie Montelongo, assistant director of student activities, said. "In fact it wasn't just us; UH, HCC and a couple of other Houston universities were also affected by this decision."
It is widely thought that this cancellation occurred when Metro realized it was losing money in its contracts with various schools and organizations; however, it has not directly answered any questions. Another possible reason discussed among U-pass users is Metro's promotion of its new operating system, the Q Card. Metro has replaced nearly every plan and contract with their new method.
While students will still receive some discounts, such as 50 percent off the regular price every day, and five free rides for every 50 purchased, the cost will be much higher with the Q-cards than under the U-Pass. "I used the U-Pass to go to work at least a few times a week," junior chemistry major Danielle Schwartzenburg said. "Now, I have to buy a Q card, figure out their new system and pay much more."
Metro's website attributes the cost to the ever-increasing gas prices and other technological advances over the past few years. It further explains that the Q Card will take the place of all 65 different payment methods in effect now. However, passengers paying with cash cannot take advantage of any of the offers.
In the past, students were able to buy U-Passes from the school.
"This certainly was not the school's decision; we had many students benefiting from the U-Pass," Angie Montelongo, assistant director of student activities, said. "In fact it wasn't just us; UH, HCC and a couple of other Houston universities were also affected by this decision."
It is widely thought that this cancellation occurred when Metro realized it was losing money in its contracts with various schools and organizations; however, it has not directly answered any questions. Another possible reason discussed among U-pass users is Metro's promotion of its new operating system, the Q Card. Metro has replaced nearly every plan and contract with their new method.
While students will still receive some discounts, such as 50 percent off the regular price every day, and five free rides for every 50 purchased, the cost will be much higher with the Q-cards than under the U-Pass. "I used the U-Pass to go to work at least a few times a week," junior chemistry major Danielle Schwartzenburg said. "Now, I have to buy a Q card, figure out their new system and pay much more."
Metro's website attributes the cost to the ever-increasing gas prices and other technological advances over the past few years. It further explains that the Q Card will take the place of all 65 different payment methods in effect now. However, passengers paying with cash cannot take advantage of any of the offers.