Metro and UMSL agree, $60 fall semester passes

The Metro Pass program will see at least one more term at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The pass will cost $60 for the fall semester, a $15 increase from last year's $45 per semester price.

Fall 2006 was the first semester students were required to pay $45 per pass. Until then, the passes had been available to students free of charge. Since the quota of 3,300 Metro passes was not met in winter 2007, officials at UM-St. Louis thought the program would not continue this coming year.

"We set up a meeting with Metro and explained our interest in keeping the Metro Pass Program here at UMSL," said Vice Provost for Student Affairs Curt Coonrod.

After numerous conversations between the University and Metro, the two parties reached an agreement to continue with the program in the fall.

An e-mail was sent to students via MyGateway informing them of the recent decision.

"We knew we had to raise the price from $45, but we also knew we didn't want to raise the price to $125, which is the actual cost," Coonrod said. "I understand that the Metro Pass is important to students. I also understand that the cost is a major concern too," Coonrod said.

The $60 charge decided for next semester was the fruit of a final negotiation between Metro and the University.

"We came to an agreement that we would sell passes based on consignments," Coonrod said. "We don't have to buy a certain number of passes whereas in the past we did."

"This has been an ongoing conversation between Metro and the University," Coonrod said. "We want to find out what will be the best program for our students."

Starting in early fall, Student Affairs will work on giving students more information on where the program is heading.

"We also want to get more feedback from students about how they feel about the program and what would suit the student body as a whole," Coonrod said.

"I think the decision to continue with the Metro Pass program is a good idea," Student Government Association president Bryan Goers said. "A lot of people use and depend on the pass for public transportation."

"It is unfortunate that the passes went up in price, but it is still cheaper than gas and the regular student passes," Goers said.

"The Metro pass program is very convenient for those students who do not have access to a car," said Wendy Elmore, sophomore, theater and dance. "I happen to be one of those students."

"I am thrilled that the program is back," Elmore said. "I am a little disappointed on the increase in price, but I understand."