In Partnership with WUSA, the Stratford School is pleased to continue a Pilot Bus program, with limited seating capacity on a trial basis for the Spring 2024 term. Thanks to the GBDA Society for championing this initiative!
Term passes are sold on a first come first serve basis, allowing you to use the bus as often as you need throughout the term.
Cheaper, Greener, Reliable and Air Conditioned
WUSA, the GBDA Society, and the Stratford School have worked hard to ensure this program is an affordable and safe option for students.
If you attend classes 3 days/week throughout the term (12 weeks), your 1-way trip is $2.75. From our transportation survey results, the average cost of a carpool seat was $6.23. The more you attend campus for class or events, the cheaper your per trip cost becomes.
For the Spring Term, service will be done using activity buses giving you:
- air conditioning
- overhead storage
- more comfortable seats
FAQ:
How much does the term pass cost?
$175.00+HST, to a total of $197.75, until April 15, 2024, (then $200.00+HST ($226.00).
The term pass provides unlimited access to the bus throughout one academic term. If you used the bus to come to Stratford three days per week through the term (12 weeks), your one-way trip could cost $2.75 including tax
When does the bus run?
The bus departs departs Waterloo in the morning and afternoon. Check out the schedule.
What days does the bus service start and end?
Bus service starts on the first day of classes at the UW Stratford School on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, and runs until the last day of classes, July 30, 2024. Buses will not run during holidays and/or university closures.
Additionally, the bus will not run on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
- The loss of a Monday class on May 20 will be made up by following a Monday schedule on May 21 (Make-Up Day for Victoria Day).
- As there are no GBDA classes offered on Mondays in Spring 2024, there are no Monday classes to be held on the May 21st make-up day. While the buses will not run, the Stratford Campus will remain open for access per school building hours.
- The loss of a Tuesday class on May 21 will be made up on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 (Make up day for May 21) – on the last day of classes.
Where does the bus pick-up and drop-off?
In Waterloo, the bus picks up and drops off on Ring Road in front of DC (Davis Centre). See on Google Maps.
In Stratford, the bus picks up and drops off at the Stratford Bus Terminal across from the Bradshaw Building. See on Google Maps.
Am I able to purchase a one-day pass for the bus?
At this time, only term passes are available.
If I don’t buy a pass at the beginning of the term will a prorated pass be available?
Passes are not pro-rated, so you will get the most value by purchasing early and using often. Price increases April 15, 2024.
Are passes transferable?
No. Passes are to be used only by the student who purchased it. WatCard must be presented to board the bus,
Who can buy a pass?
Only Stratford students can buy a pass for the Stratford bus.
Why is it more expensive than U-pass?
The GRT U-pass pricing is negotiated on a 5-year term, with the leverage of 65,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the Waterloo region. The Stratford Bus Pass has a smaller user base, and travels directly between the campuses.
Perth-County Connect Transit System that has service between Stratford and Waterloo charges students $10 for each one-way trip. To come to campus 3 times/week with public transportation could cost over $720/per term.