U-Pass Fraud Tops $15 Million Annually
As predicted, the much vaunted U-Pass program isAi??costing TransLink at least $15 million annually, more thanAi??reported fare evasion, yet there is nary a peep from the mainstream media.
Zwei’s sources at TransLink report that the U-Pass program is costing the taxpayer a lot more than what is being reported and there is no way that TransLink can calculate how many U-Passes are being used fraudulently. It is one thing for a government agency to offer deep discounted fares for students on mandated but lightly used transit services, but to offer over 100,000 U-Passes to post secondary students in the lower mainland is the height of fiscal idiocy, especially when TransLink is coming cap in hand for more and more tax money.
The one problem with the massive U-Pass program is that those using the deep discounted U-Passes are forcing much needed full fare customers from the transit system back into the car. The U-Pass program also makes a mockery of TransLink’s ridership counts as those holding U-Passes may use the system multiple times a day, especially the metro systemAi??>Ai??which drive up ridership counts > which in turn give high ridership numbers, which is why TransLink abetted by local politicians like the U-Pass program so much.
Ex-UBC student accused of fraud over sale of U-Passes
Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/student+accused+fraud+over+sale+Passes/7479547/story.html#ixzz2AysBM5Pn
By Staff Reporter, The ProvinceOctober 31, 2012
A former University of B.C. student is facing criminal charges for allegedlyAi?? buying and selling U-Passes.
Betty Sze Yu Wong, 25, allegedly bought numerous U-Passes from students atAi?? four post-secondary schools and resold the passes for a profit on Craigslist,Ai?? said Transit Police.
Wong is charged with fraud. She is scheduled to appear in VancouverAi?? provincial court Dec. 14.
ai???The laying of these Criminal Code of Canada charges by Crown counsel is aAi?? clear indication that the justice system is willing to prosecute offenders,ai??? said a statement from Transit Police.
U-Passes let students in participating schools ride TransLinkai??i??s buses,Ai?? SkyTrain and SeaBus through all three zones for $30 a month, compared to regularAi?? passes which range from $81 to $151.
Last year, TransLink estimated U-Pass fraud cost the regional transportationAi?? agency up to $15 million a year.
Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/student+accused+fraud+over+sale+Passes/7479547/story.html#ixzz2AysMiM9p
Does Translink have the pass holders picture on the pass? In Ottawa and Toronto the pass has a picture or you use the University l D card.
The TransLink U-pass does not include a picture.
There is the problem. The U-Pass is set up to be abused. The pass should include a photo ID card, or at the very least, the student should be required to show a valid school pass.
The simplest system is just what Ottawa does, the student I D has the transit company’s logo beside the date, such as 2012-13. Since the colour of the pass changes every year and a new I D is issued every year only the most professional determined cheaters will make copies. The pass also has security features on its magnetic strip system. When you get on a OC Transpo vehicle you just show your University ID. I am curious how this will work with the Presto Fare Card the Ontario government is forcing on everyone.