Nov 17 2012
Selling December U-Pass, Message Me!
Whether through Facebook, Craigslist, or other sources, the sale of U-Passes is a common occurrence despite TransLink’s constant reminders that such activities are illegal. UBC students pay $30 per month (included in their school fees) for U-Passes and resell them for prices typically ranging between $30-$50. It’s a profitable business, especially for someone who rarely uses public transit. However, few stop to consider what their actions really entail.
The U-Pass program has been criticized on several instances, with a certain blog calling it “the height of fiscal idiocy.” The blog in question also describes how U-Passes are more of a detriment to society than anything else, at least from an economic standpoint. Simply put, TransLink loses at least $15 million per year in exchange for an increase in the number of people utilizing public transit.
Looking at this from a different perspective, rather than that of a student needing some spare change, provides some interesting insight. Is it ethical for students to be profiting from a program already designed to give us a huge benefit out of the pockets of other members of society? It’s certainly something to consider next time before you make that ‘Selling U-Pass!’ post on Facebook.
Great point, Mingchi. I can understand the unethical situation when it comes to students selling the tickets above what they paid to make a profit, but I think selling it for the price we purchased should be fair. For students who rarely take transit and are incredibly tight for cash, it’s frustrating that this is not something we can opt out of. To me, it seems like a way for Translink to try and make-up for the lost revenue through this discount as they know that not every student will use their pass. However, with people selling them to the public it is essentially cancelling out this tactic. Therefore, I think they should allow those who wish to participate in the program to do so and for the others to be able to opt-out and keep their $280.