What is U-Pass?
The Universal Transportation Pass is a mandatory program for all AMS members and provides cardholders with:
- Unlimited access to TransLink’s bus, Community Shuttle, SkyTrain, and SeaBus services across all zones
- Discounted West Coast Express fares
- Increased service and capacity on UBC routes.
- Continued access to a variety of UBC Transportation Planning Programs.
Where do I get my U-Pass card?
For Winter Term:
By Mail: If you have a Canadian address on the Student Services Centre Website (SSC) before the beginning of August, you will be mailed your U-Pass and should receive it by mid-August. Please ensure your address on the SSC is where you wish your U-Pass to be mailed.
In Person: If you do not have a UBCcard, have not registered in Winter Term courses before the beginning of August, or have an international address on the SSC, you can pick your U-Pass up in person at the Carding Office, located in the UBC Bookstore, from mid-August onwards.
For Summer Term:
By Mail: If you have a Canadian address on the Student Services Centre Website (SSC) before the beginning of April, you will be mailed your U-Pass and should receive it by mid-April. Please ensure your address on the SSC is where you wish your U-Pass to be mailed.
In Person: If you do not have a UBCcard, have not registered in Summer Term courses before the beginning of April, or have an international address on the SSC, you can pick your U-Pass up in person at the Carding Office, located in the UBC Bookstore, from mid-April onwards.
Eligible Students Beginning Courses in January: Your U-Pass will be available for pick up at the Carding Office from mid-December onwards.
Can I send a friend or family member to pick up my U-Pass?
Please note that you can send a friend to pick your pass up on your behalf if you already have a UBCcard and your photo is on record. Your proxy must bring with them a note from you stating your name, and student number, and your proxy’s name, along with authorization that you allow us to release your U-Pass to them. Your proxy should also bring their own photo ID with them.
When can I start using my U-Pass?
Regardless of when your courses begin, you can use your U-Pass as soon as you receive it. So register early and take full advantage.
How much does the U-Pass cost?
The U-Pass is mandatory and costs $26.75 per month. The University subsidizes the U-Pass by $3 per month per student, which means you only pay $23.75 per month for your U-Pass.
How do I pay for the U-Pass?
The U-Pass fee is assessed with other student fees and your tuition. Go to the Student Service Centre, log in, and click on Tuition & Student Fee Inquiries to view your fee assessments.
Do I pay all at once or per term?
You will be assessed on a per term basis; the fee is due at the beginning of each term.
If I only study for one term, do I have to pay all terms?
Students will only be assessed a U-Pass fee for the term(s) in which they are studying. Summer U-Pass holders will be assessed a U-Pass fee based on the 4 month summer term, regardless of when your summer courses begin and end.
What if I lose my U-Pass?
Replacement U-Passes cost $26.50, payable by cash, credit, or debit. Visit the Carding Office at the Bookstore during bookstore hours of operation to get a replacement card.
What if my U-Pass becomes wears out or becomes defective?
Worn out and defective U-Pass cards will be replaced free of charge. You must bring in your defective card to the Carding Office in order to have the replacement fee waived. We encourage you to bring your card in as soon as your photo starts to fade and/or as soon as the 9 digit number on the back of the card starts to wear off. We will not waive the replacement fee for cards that have been damaged due to careless use. To protect against damage, store your U-Pass in your wallet. Do not laminate, bend, put stickers on, or hole punch your card.
Can I opt-in and out of the U-Pass program?
No. Only students that are assessed student fees and meet eligibility requirements are entitled to U-Pass. Students are only opted out if they meet the fee exemption criteria.
Who will be assessed a U-Pass fee?
- All students assessed student fees, regardless of credit load, will be assessed a U-Pass fee and are entitled to obtain a U-Pass. This also includes graduate students who are members of the GSS (unless on leave). Medicine and dentistry students who are AMS members and whose winter term extends into June will automatically be assessed a summer U-Pass fee in addition to a winter U-Pass fee.
- All incoming exchange students will be assessed a U-Pass fee and are entitled to obtain a U-Pass.
Who is automatically exempt from U-Pass?
- Any student who is not assessed student fees.
- Any student who officially withdraws from the University by the withdrawal date established by UBC and who has not picked up a U-Pass (no application required).
- Any outgoing UBC Exchange Student.
Find more information on U-Pass exemptions here.
Who can request an exemption?
Find more information on U-Pass exemptions here.
How do I apply for an exemption?
The online exemption request form is available on the Student Service Centre website.
When is the exemption application deadline?
The exemption application deadline is the same as the withdrawal date without W standing for your courses (approximately 2 weeks after the start of your classes). Students who finish their program requirements mid-way through the semester are entitled to full U-Pass privileges for the remainder of the semester and will not receive a partial U-Pass refund.
Can I lend my U-Pass to a friend?
The U-Pass card is not transferable. Lending or selling your U-Pass to another person, or attempting to use another person’s U-Pass is an offense. Violators may be prosecuted. TransLink requires that you carry additional photo ID to verify your identity.
Can I receive a subsidy for my U-Pass fee?
The AMS administers a fund to subsidize the cost of the U-Pass for those students experiencing financial hardship or exceptional circumstances which are not considered eligible for an ‘exemption’. Full and partial subsidies are available. To learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the AMS website.
How can I benefit from the Federal Government Transit Tax Credit?
You can claim a non-refundable transit tax credit based on your annual U-Pass fee assessments. Students who have been assessed a U-Pass fee can download and print a receipt of their U-Pass fee assessment through the Student Services Centre website. You do not need to submit your receipt with your tax submission, however we encourage you to keep a record of it for 5 years in the event of an audit.
How much do I save in the U-Pass Program?
- U-Pass for 8 months: $190.00
- One Zone Transit Pass for 8 months: $584.00
- Two Zone Transit Pass for 8 months: $792.00
- Three Zone Transit Pass for 8 months: $1088.00
