Keeping Students Moving: WUSA Opposes Cuts to Key GRT Routes

On December 3, 2025, WUSA President Damian Mikhail attended the Waterloo Region Council’s Strategic Planning and Budget Public Input Committee to advocate on behalf of students to protect public transit, from his perspective as a student who regularly uses it. The Region is proposing to reduce service to Routes 9, 13, 19, and 30 – you can read more about that at 2026 Budget and transit – Grand River Transit..

Damian highlighted that students, especially at the University of Waterloo, rely heavily on Routes 9, 13, 19, and 30. Cutting both peak and off-peak hours would significantly reduce reliability on these routes that are essential for many students in their commute to campus. Damian noted that past Councils have strengthened the Region’s transit network through long-term investment and flagged that this current budget proposal does not align with the goals outlined in the GRT business plan. He emphasized that ongoing investment in public transit helps residents, including students, choose sustainable transportation options, contributing to more walkable and livable neighbourhoods across Waterloo Region.

He noted the potential negative impact on residents across Waterloo, as well as the challenge of advocating for ION Stage 2 funding while simultaneously reducing local service. He encouraged Council to reconsider the proposed cuts in order to maintain the Region’s credibility and continue supporting a sustainable, affordable transit system for students and the broader community. You can watch Damian’s full remarks to Council at Strategic Planning and Budget Public Input Committee – December 3, 2025, starting at 1:31:50.

The finalized budget is due to be approved by Regional Council on December 17th. Any students who are interested in providing feedback can contact Regional Councillors to express their opinions before Council’s final decision.