Stop unilink enforcing expensive, hidden U1N charges, even with a buspass, to allow safe/free alternatives to walking home alone at night after a night out
Anonymous submitted on
Monday 6th June 2022
Complete
The U1N nightline bus charges students, regardless of whether theyve already paid for a very expensive buspass or not. Even more so, these tickets are more expensive than the day tickets despite being the exact same service, with no justification, enough money that there is serious consideration just walk home alone in the dark after a night out. These unexpected charges do also add up, so its not excatly encouraging girls to stay safe and not walk home alone, when the alternative that is supposed to be free is also being charged for. Especially in these circumstances are students vunerable, if theyve lost their wallet/been mugged or had a few drinks after a night out, and then charging for the U1N, arguably the bus where it being free is most important, is unjustified. It is particularly deceitful that these hidden charges are also not advertised anywhere- and when paying for a buspass that does not even last beyond June, one would naturally assume the U1N would be included. I would like to urge SUSU to approach Unilink and stop them from charging this ridiculous fee- especially when summer is approaching and many more students go on nights out.
Responses
Here, you can view the complete set of official responses from the sabbatical officers regarding this submission.
Rebecca Would replied on
Thursday 31st Aug 2023 4:36pm
Apologies again for the long delay on this, any further ideas please contact us!
Rebecca Would replied on
Thursday 31st Aug 2023 4:31pm
Hi,
Thank you for your submission and apologies for the long wait in receiving a response.
The University decided that the U1N would not be included in the bus pass due to high running cost of the service, and low usage compared to buses that run at our peak times.
As SUSU we remain concerned about our students' safety, especially with-in the night-time economy. As such, we provide the SUSU Safety Bus. This is a free service to help students get home from campus safely. It runs every evening during term time from Highfield Campus, dropping students to their doors. More information can be found at: https://www.susu.org/support/safety-bus.html.
If you have any further questions, concerns or suggestions for improving student safety please contact either me at vpeddem@soton.ac.uk, or our Union President, Ed, at pres@soton.ac.uk.
Kind regards,
Rebecca
VP Education and Democracy
Students' Union replied on
Thursday 23rd Jun 2022 11:30am
Hi,
Thank you for your submission.
I had started to explore whether the U1N service can be included in the halls bus passes. This, alongside the further consideration detailed above around its cost, will be handed over to the incoming VP Welfare and Community, Aycha. They will be able to pick this up and hopefully progress this further.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact welfare@soton.ac.uk.
Kind regards,
Savanna- VP Welfare and Community
Actions
Forwarded to Vice President Education and Democracy
Monday 21st Aug 2023 10:07am
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