BYU NewsNet - Bus Pass Prices to Increase

The cost of a school-year bus pass is nearly doubling this year, but BYU officials say the high cost of fuel still makes it a good deal.

If purchased this fall, the Utah Transit Authority Ed Pass will cost $120. That's up $50 from the $70 it cost last fall.

The Ed Pass is the equivalent of UTA's Premium Express monthly pass, which normally costs riders $160 per month.

The Ed Pass allows access to traditional local bus routes and the Express buses, Trax and Frontrunner.

"Ed Passes are very important to college students who are trying to live as cheaply as possible," said Carrie Bohnsack-Ware, spokeswoman for UTA. "Public transportation is a beneficial way to save money as car payments, insurance and maintenance add up."

UTA offers a variety of services to the Provo area and Utah County that students can take advantage of, including six bus routes and the Express bus service, which is an inter-county luxury bus service.

"We are pleased that we can continue to offer members of our campus community a UTA bus pass at an extremely discounted rate," said BYU Student Life Vice President Jan Scharman in a news release. "Given the rising fuel costs ... we are particularly glad that we were able to negotiate a contract with UTA."

However, UTA is not immune to rising fuel costs. If costs continue to escalate, UTA may have to implement surcharges, according to the release. But BYU's prices will not change for the 2008-2009 school year, nor will EdPass users be subject to additional charges.

BYU purchased a set number of passes relative to the services available in the area, according to Bohnsack-Ware, and BYU determines how much they can sell passes for.

Passes bought in Fall 2008 will be available for purchase mid-August for $120. If purchased in winter 2009 the passes would be available at a pro-rated rate of $90. The passes will be $60 if purchased during spring or summer 2009.

UTA continues to expand as well, offering more convenient stops and increased services during busy times, as seen at the bus stop east of the Wilkinson Center.

"We will continue to expand with more routes, Trax, and soon Southbound Frontrunner which will connect Provo to Salt Lake and the north valley," Bohnsack-Ware said. "It really helps you get the most of your education."

Ed Passes are available for purchase online through Route Y, at the ID Center and One Stop.