The resolution passed by the Illinois Student Senate on Feb. 11 included the placement of a referendum on the March ballot asking students if they support an increase of $12 in their transportation fees in exchange for the additional services.

The increase in student fees would pay for a new contract between the University and the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, resulting in new bus routes and service reaching later into the night.

Katya Brossart, junior in LAS, said she is happy with the current MTD service, but she would support a fee increase in exchange for the expanded routes.

“I think it would be great if service was expanded, but as it is, it’s a great deal,” she said.

The poor economic climates of the University and the state of Illinois are raising concerns among faculty about a possible increase in their transportation fees, said Tom Overbye, faculty representative in the MTD negotiations.

“The University is probably going to see further rescission from the state,” he said.

“Faculty and staff will probably see a decrease (in salaries). We want to push MTD to see now is not a good time to increase fees.”

Faculty and staff purchase of parking permits goes toward the Parking Department’s general operating fund, which pays for faculty and staff MTD service. An increase in the total cost of the MTD contract could potentially cause an increase in the price of faculty and staff parking permits.

“The faculty is not concerned with increased service,” Overbye said. “We want MTD to provide service at a minimal cost.”

Potential changes found in plan

The plan will consolidate and change the 21, 23, 24 and 26 bus routes. This system is accompanied by an altered 22 Illini route, which would extend farther north on Lincoln Avenue in order to service Capstone Quarters Condominiums, which are located just south of Interstate 74. Late-night service, increased access to the downtown areas of Champaign and Urbana and less bus traffic on Wright Street are other aspects of the plan.