New shuttle fare a shock

February 27 saw a student protest erupt at the usually quiet Stellenbosch University. This came after management announced a R9 per ride fee for its evening shuttle service for students (free to date). The policy is as stunning as it is exclusionary.

Not only is it out of touch in the greater context of higher education where students are still fighting for affordable education, but it is also irresponsible in terms of student safety.

Do students really have the money to suddenly pay for a service that was always free?

Furthermore, do students really know that they will need a night shuttle way in advance and that they therefore have to load money needed for that trip before that time? What about emergencies? What if students don’t have money? Students will then have to walk up to 6km at night (as provided for by the service) and hope that they arrive home safely.

Where do the university values of compassion, respect, fairness and accountability fit in with the new transport policy and its implementation?

The university’s student representative council rejected the policy in a statement citing safety concerns, but the university announced it unilaterally shortly thereafter and advertised it widely. Stellenbosch University’s management must immediately scrap the policy. The shuttle service should remain free and should even be extended so that all students are welcome on campus and are able to attend events in the evening without having to worry about transport.

Charl Linde Stellenbosch