Hi, we are Inder, Mira, Michael, Sohail, and Dimas, and we are students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Like many fellow students, we struggle with the financial challenges of university life—tuition, textbooks, rent, and daily expenses make it hard to make ends meet. An additional financial strain we face is the costly parking fees on campus. This can be particularly burdensome, especially when coupled with the mandatory student transit pass fees, which some of us may barely use due to relying more on driving. Many KPU students have to drive to campus because of long commutes, irregular work schedules, or the lack of convenient public transportation options. For these students, car travel is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Yet, high parking fees make this necessity even more challenging, adding an unnecessary burden to our limited finances. Research from the Canadian Federation of Students shows that the average student debt in Canada exceeds $28,000. With the cost of living on the rise, every expense matters. Parking fees typically range from $3 to $8 per visit or up to $200 per semester, costs that many of us simply cannot afford without sacrificing other essentials. We are calling on KPU to lower the cost of parking for students and to consider introducing discounted parking permits for those with demonstrated financial need. An initiative like this would align with the university's commitment to accessible education and support student wellbeing. Moreover, we urge KPU to re-evaluate the requirement for all students to purchase a transit pass. Perhaps a more flexible system could be introduced, allowing students to opt-out if public transportation is not a feasible option for their commute, or to choose a package that best suits their actual needs. By signing this petition, you're supporting a fairer, more equitable university experience for all students. Let's work
 
together to make parking affordable and to lessen the financial strain on our student community.