On June 11, after negotiation from the Western Washington University and Student Government Association, Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) announced a possible deal with the University that would ensure a three-year continuation of the pre-paid universal bus pass for students. The relationship between the transit system and the University has been anything but smooth this spring. In April the WTA voted to increase bus fees by twenty five percent as an effort to avoid service cuts as tax revenues have decreased during the recession. The WTA then wanted the University to pay a similar increase.  Though the two sides have come to a tentative agreement of what the University and students will pay, the WTA and WWU student government will still need to iron out a few details before a final decision is made.   

Students first obtained pre-paid universal bus passes in October 2007.  That year, WTA ridership jumped by 27 percent, largely due to increased student use.
 
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