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 Fall 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.
First-year students do not need to purchase a Stratford School Bus Pass for GBDA 101 on Fridays.
Cheaper, Greener, and Reliable
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 $2.51. 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.
FAQ:
How much does the term pass cost?
$160.00+HST, to a total of $180.80, until August 23rd, 2024 (Early Bird Discount), then $185.00+HST ($209.05).
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 $2.51 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, September 6th, 2024, and runs until the last day of classes, December 3rd, 2024. Buses will not run during holidays and/or university closures.
Additionally, the bus will not run on Fall Reading Week, Monday, October 14th - Thursday, October 17th.
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. The price was set to increase on August 24th, 2024. When more passes become available on September 18, 2024, the discounted price of $160.00 + HST will be honoured.
I'm in my first-year of GBDA. Do I need to buy a bus pass to get to Stratford for GBDA 101 on Fridays?
No. The shuttle first-year students take to Stratford for GBDA 101 is included with tuition costs, and this bus pass does not need to be purchased. Additionally, GBDA 101 is held on Fridays, and the Stratford School Bus operates Mondays-Thursdays.
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.