The free unibus is no more, and students aren't happy about it. We need change and us as students want to make that happen.
The majority of students are now aware of the changes that will be happening with the Unibus in the next academic year. A charge of £2 will be applied during peak times, with discounts in off-peak. Annual passes will also be available.
The change is encouraging physical activity with students walking to campus as opposed to getting the bus, however students do not agree with the change.
When a group of students were asked whether they would stop using the bus, 75% said yes, 8% said they would still use it and 17% saying they do not use it anyway.
The vast amount saying they would stop using it proves that a £2 charge will massively impact the students at the university.
One student mentioned that those who are already struggling with money will be impacted, saying that they always use the bus as it is a good service which was free.
A football team member says: “I think it is a joke, what benefit does this give the uni and it is just demotivating anyone going in”.
The income of the bus fare will be used to improve the service itself ‘combating the overcrowding issues by introducing improved frequencies and routes.’ A key discussion between a handful of students is: "we would rather be squashed on an overcrowed bus than have to pay for it."
However, with 75% saying they will stop using it, it defeats the fact of needing more buses.
It seems counter intuitive to announce that buses will only be accessible with a charge. Many will stop using the bus, resulting in a large amount of income lost, defeating the point of using it to help the bus.
All accommodations are within a 30-minute walk to main campus; however, this is not always accessible for students for a multitude of reasons. Whether this be running late, disabilities or for some circumstances, simply not feeling safe.
Coming to university means moving cities for many, and not having the option of a free bus can be worrying, especially for first years.
A standout result from my research has centred around attendance. “Forget not using the bus, I just won’t come in. Even more of an incentive to not come in,” says one student. Out of 18 people, 17 agree that this will affect their motivation to attend.
By students gaining a lack of motivation from the bus adding a charge, will in turn cause attendance to decrease, meaning the university as a whole will be affected.
When applying to the University of Derby, the bus was advertised as free, being an incentive for myself and many others.
“When I came to university, it was one of the selling points of the University of Derby, that the unibus was free. For the fact that it now is not, it is a little discouraging, it is not encouraging for anyone at all to want to come.”
This student goes on to say that it was one thing from this university that was enticing, it made it much more competitive to the other options out there that they looked at because it was “looking after their students” and now the university is not doing that.
“Currently now that I am in my second year, hearing the news that they are going to start charging for the uni bus, I do find it slightly ridiculous.
“Not everyone finds the university accessible. Who can really afford the £2 it is going to cost, people are in university three to four times a week, so if you add that up, that is £16 and that is £16 that adds up,” one student says.
That £16 could be someone’s food shop for the week.
The majority of universities around the country offer free buses and shuttle buses, even some in London.
Another student says: “I think it is ridiculous that we now have to pay for the bus, student finance does not cover students to be able to live. And now adding an expense of charging to get a bus to travel to the university to get an education does not make it accessible for people to get there and the education they are paying for.”
Accommodation fees increase year by year, which in itself, is not mirrored by student finance. With many being left short after paying, they have no option to miss out on the luxury that is getting the bus.
A handful on students live at home instead of in accommodation, with many getting the bus from Derby’s train station to the campus. To walk, this is a 50-minute route, and in the winter months this is dangerous, especially in the dark and icy conditions.
Most students are in societies which often run till late at night, and as many do not drive, the safest way home is the bus. Having to pay £2 will discourage students to travel home like this, resulting in walking in the dark, enhancing dangers.
The main outcome of needing the free buses is as followed:
- Safety concerns
- Affordability
- Motivation to attend
- Getting what was promised to us
To the union, please make this free for us again.
Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/keep-uod-buses-free?recruiter=1367145859&recruited_by_id=06258ee0-f9bb-11ef-ad98-656449b5dad6