October 15, 2007 - 8:12am
Malaspina University-College employees are being encouraged to use public transit with the adoption of the Regional District of Nanaimo’s PROPASS program.
The Propass is a permanent bus pass purchased from the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) by employees through payroll deductions and is valid for travel throughout the Nanaimo Regional Transit System. Malaspina has recently adopted the program and hopes to encourage its employees to take advantage of public transit. One of the main goals of the Propass program is to reduce rush hour traffic and the number of vehicles being driven to the workplace.
“We are proud to give our employees the opportunity to take part in the Propass program,” said Malaspina President Dr. Ralph Nilson. “Initiatives like these help the environment by reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Malaspina is committed to the wellness of our community and insuring the health of our environment.”
The program is open to businesses within the regional district who apply and meet all the requirements. To enrol in the program, employers must register at least five employees who must commit to at least a year to qualify. The annual cost is less than the cost of 12 monthly passes.
For employees like Glen Pugh, a Professor in the Mathematics department at Malaspina, this program helps promote a convenient and affordable way to get to work.
“I live in Parksville, which makes for a costly and time-consuming commute by car,” said Pugh. “With public transit, I am able to work during the commute and put the time to good use. Mass transit is a good idea at any time and this program encourages occasional users to think of transit as a cost effective choice for daily commuting.”
Sarah Ogden, a library assistant at Malaspina, believes this option makes taking the bus to work just that much easier.
“Taking the bus is an excellent alternative to cars and trucks, because it saves gas and helps the environment,” said Ogden. “I don’t ever have to worry about car insurance, gas, parking or having my car break down. It’s just a worry free way to get to work every day. And because of the Propass, I know I can always take the bus and don’t have to wonder if my bus pass has expired because this one never does.”
For more information on the Propass program, contact the Regional District of Nanaimo at 390-6565.
Tags: In the Community
