Fleming College

On December 3 and 4, Fleming College students voted to determine whether or not a new transportation fee should be added to their tuition. This was a binding referendum hosted by the Fleming Student Administrative Council.

Students were asked:

Are you in favour of a mandatory transportation fee for full-time students that would:

• Provide 13-month unlimited access to Peterborough Transit services for students
• Cost $365 per student to be adjusted on a yearly basis according to inflation; and
• Fund transportation related upgrades on campus

The online vote resulted in:

Those in favour: 647 (54%)
Those in opposition: 551 (46%)
Number of votes: 1,198 (29.8% turnout)

 
Binding Referendum
Fleming SAC’s bylaws state that for a referendum to be binding, 15% of the students eligible to vote must vote. As well, for a decision to pass, it must attain 51% of the vote. As more than 15% of eligible students voted, this is a binding referendum.

What it Means for Students
Fleming SAC will work with City of Peterborough transit officials to enter into an agreement that increases service for Fleming students. This means that beginning in September 2016, the Fleming Express bus will begin to run with greater frequency and longer hours. In September 2017 or possibly sooner, a second Fleming Express route will be added.

As well, Fleming SAC will work with the college to determine a budget and priority list of transportation infrastructure that will be enhanced on campus. This could include bike racks, e-bike charging stations, and upgrades to pathways. Fleming SAC will oversee these upgrades and will solicit input from students.

Fleming College and the Transit Referendum
Fleming College supports the will of the students as expressed through the binding referendum, and is looking forward to working with the student government and the City of Peterborough on enhancing public transit options at the Sutherland Campus.

This significant investment in public transit is strongly aligned with Fleming College priorities regarding community access and environmental sustainability.