Full-time Sheridan College students are a step closer to getting a discounted transit pass covering Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville after voting in favour of the idea. The “universal transit pass,” or “U-Pass,” will cost students $197.15 per term, and will allow for unlimited travel on Oakville Transit, MiWay and Brampton Transit, including Züm, Brampton’s rapid bus service. Sheridan, which serves about 23,000 full-time students per year, has campuses in all three municipalities.

In a referendum held between Nov. 26 and Nov. 30, 25 per cent of 19,260 eligible voters cast ballots. Of those who voted, 2,742 supported the pass and 2,063 did not. The referendum required a voter turnout of at least 15 per cent to be considered binding.

“I’m pleased with the strong turnout during this referendum, and seeing students provide clear direction on our path forward,” said Sheridan Student Union president Enrique Ponce, in a release. “Students chose their route and we’re pleased to work with Sheridan College to undertake their wishes.”

The student union is governed by 12 elected students leaders, and “strives to unite the student body and improve the student experience through programs and services,” according to the release. It says the transit agencies have been strong partners during initial discussions. One of the next steps will be to obtain municipal approval of the proposal in the three jurisdictions. The target date to have the pass available is September 2019.