» Home » U-Pass BC FAQ

U-Pass BC FAQ

Questions

General

 

Getting Your U-Pass

 

Costs and Payment

 

Using Your U-Pass

 

Answers

General

Why are all these changes taking place to the U-Pass Program?

The existing U-Pass program was cancelled by TransLink and replaced with the new U-Pass BC program, a partnership between the Province of British Columbia and TransLink that makes U-Pass BC available to all students at all public post-secondary schools across Metro Vancouver. The many changes to the U-Pass program are a requirement of TransLink and the Province to meet the new program terms and conditions and were not sought by UBC.
top

What is U-Pass BC?

Since 2003, UBC students have had access to a universal transit pass providing unlimited use of buses (including Community Shuttles), Skytrain and SeaBus transportation services across Metro Vancouver.  Starting September 2011, a new partnership between the Provincial government and TransLink will make one common U-Pass program available to all public post-secondary schools across Metro Vancouver.  This new program is called U-Pass BC.
top

What are the benefits of U-Pass BC?

The U-Pass BC program continues to provide all eligible members of UBC’s Alma Mater Society (AMS) with lower transit fares across all zones–including unlimited use of buses, SkyTrain and seabuses within Metro Vancouver. Discounted fares on the Westcoast Express are also available.
top

Is U-Pass BC mandatory?

Yes, the program is mandatory. The success of the program relies on a bulk purchase so that students pay only $30 per month which is a significant discount in comparison to the retail price $151 for a three-zone pass. Ninety-five per cent of students who voted in the 2011 AMS Referendum overwhelmingly elected to participate in the new program at the cost of $30/per month.
top

Who is eligible

You are eligible to participate in U-Pass BC if (1) you are a full-time or part-time student at UBC and you are assessed AMS student fees and either (2) you are registered in a minimum of three credits or (3) paying at least $604 in tuition fees. For a full list of eligibility criteria and exemptions, please see U-Pass BC Eligibility, Exemptions and Subsidies.
top

Can I get an exemption?

You can apply for exemptions under specific circumstances, including if you have a disability that prevents you from using public transit. In addition, there are a small number of students who are automatically exempt from the program. You can submit an exemption application by logging into the Student Service Centre

Please Note: The online exemption application for the upcoming Fall 2011 term will be available on the Student Service Centre (SSC) to all students to apply for exemption as of August 25th 2011. For more information on eligibility, exemptions and subsidies please see U-Pass BC Eligibility, Exemptions and Subsidies.
top

How long is my U-Pass valid for?

Passes are valid on a monthly basis and expire at the end of every month. Students who are eligible for U-Pass BC can pick up their U-Pass each month at the Carding Office at The UBC Bookstore.
top

What if my pass is damaged or defective?

Damaged and defective passes are available for replacement from the the Clerk at the UBC Carding Office located inside UBC Bookstore. If your pass is damaged, you can get a replacement for a fee of $10, when you turn in your damaged pass.

If you pass is defective at no fault of your own, you can get a replacement pass free of charge; you must hand in your defective pass in order to get a new one.
top

Why can’t I park on the street near UBC?

Help us respect our neighbours and reduce traffic to UBC by leaving your car at home. It is illegal and you are subject to ticketing and/or being towed at your own expense. For more information, refer to Bylaw No. 2849.
top

What if my pass is lost?

Under the new program, replacement passes available each term are very limited. Subject to availability, students are entitled to one replacement pass per academic term. Replacement passes cost $35 and are available at the UBC Carding Office located inside the UBC Bookstore. You can pay by cash, credit, or debit.
top

What if I withdraw from my courses?

If you have picked up a pass which is not yet valid, then you are legally required to return the pass to UBC. See U-Pass Return Form [hyperlink] for details. If you have picked up a pass for the current month, you will not be entitled to a refund for that month and you can use the pass until it expires. But you will not be eligible for a pass for the remainder of the term.
top

Conditions of Use

The information on this page refers to the U-Pass BC program that will come into effect in September 2011. Program conditions for the current U-Pass program at UBC (expiring August 31, 2011) please click here.

The U-Pass BC may only be used by the student to whom the pass was issued and who possesses valid student identification. Student name must be filled in for Pass to be valid.

The U-Pass BC and student identification must remain in the possession of the user at all times while on board transit vehicles and in fare paid zones, and must both be produced for inspection on request of operator or other official of TransLink, its subsidiaries or operating companies.

Valid for travel, for the month shown, in and across all zones and at all times on South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) service region buses, SeaBus and SkyTrain and for discounted fares on West Coast Express.

Use of this Pass is subject to the terms and conditions of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) Transit Tariff. Contravention may result in confiscation of this Pass and/or prosecution. VOID IF LAMINATED OR ALTERED.

This Pass is non-transferable. This Pass is the property of TransLink and must be returned to TransLink upon request. If found please return to TransLink Lost Property – Stadium SkyTrain Station 604.682.7887

For more information on the U-Pass BC Program, please contact your school or visit www.translink.ca
top

 

Getting Your Pass

How do I receive my U-Pass?

You will no longer receive passes by mail. New program conditions require UBC to distribute passes on-site every month.The Carding Office at The UBC Bookstore has been outfitted with high-speed vending machines that will speed up on-site distribution. Swipe your UBCcard at the machine which will confirm eligibility and then issue your pass.
top

How will you efficiently distribute 40,000 passes each month?

We have installed 20 high-speed vending machines to make distribution as efficient as possible. Passes will be available starting on the 16th of each month. Students wanting to avoid long-lines are encouraged to pick up their passes as early as possible. Follow The UBC Bookstore on Twitter and Facebook when the term starts for real-time updates including wait times and other key information.
top

Why do I have to pick up my pass at The UBC Bookstore?

This new program includes changes which are necessary due to TransLink’s requirements to limit the possibility of fraud and to bring the U-Pass into alignment with its other fare cards. The UBC Bookstore has been chosen as the pick-up destination due to its central location on-campus.
top

Why can’t you mail it to me?

At TransLink’s request, the new program conditions have strict limitations on pass replacement, and provide no resolution for passes reported lost in the mail. The risk to students is too high for us to distribute passes in the mail.
top

What if I can’t get to The UBC Bookstore?

The UBC Bookstore is open six days a week, Monday-Saturday. Hours of operation will be extended during peak seasons at the start of fall and spring terms.
top

Will you be adding vending machines in other locations?

No, vending machines will not be located elsewhere on-campus or downtown. To mitigate security risks involved in the on-site distribution of passes that should be treated as valuable as cash, The UBC Bookstore has been chosen because of its central location on-campus and existing infrastructure (Carding Office).
top

When can I get the next pass?

From the 16th onwards, students will be able to pick up passes for the following month. For example, machines will begin distributing passes for October 2011 from September 16 onwards.
top

How long do I have to pick up my pass?

You have until the 15th of every month to pick up your pass. Starting on the 16th of each month, machines will begin dispensing passes for the following month.
top

When is the best time to pick up my pass?

If you follow The UBC Bookstore on Facebook or on Twitter, you will get real-time updates on the length of the line-up when term starts.
top

Can I buy a replacement pass?

Under the new program, replacement passes available each term are very limited. Subject to availability, students are entitled to one replacement pass per academic term. Replacement passes cost $35 and are available at the UBC Carding Office located inside the UBC Bookstore. You can pay by cash, credit, or debit.
top

You will not be an issued a U-Pass if you have outstanding fees from a prior academic year on your student account, if your UBCcard is expired or demagnetized, if you are not already registered in courses for the Term, or if you are not eligible. For more information on eligibility requirements, please see U-Pass BC Eligibility, Exemptions and Subsidies. You can pay your outstanding fees online through the Student Services Centre. The vending machines will not issue U-Passes BC if your UBC card has been demagnetized or has been replaced with a newer card. New UBCcards are available at the Carding Office in the UBC bookstore
top

 What happens if I complete all my program requirements in the middle of the term?  Am I still eligible for U-Pass BC?

Costs and Payment

Why is the U-Pass going up in cost?

The cost of providing the program has increased to $120/term ($30/month) in order to expand the program and make U-Pass available to all public, post-secondary institutions across Metro Vancouver. UBC students held a referendum in spring 2011 to approve participation in the new program, known as U-Pass BC. Students voted to support the new program, even at the increased cost. While the cost of U-Pass has gone up, it remains a significant discount when compared to the retail price of $151/month for a three zone travel pass.
top

You’re saving money by not mailing out passes, so why are they more expensive?

Mailing costs are not related to the increased cost of making the program available to all public, post-secondary institutions across Metro Vancouver.
top

How much will U-Pass BC cost me?

The U-Pass program costs $120 per term ($30 per month).
top

If I don’t pick up my pass, am I still charged?

Yes, the U-Pass program is mandatory. If you are eligible, and have not secured an exemption, you will be charged the U-Pass fee whether or not you pick up your U-Pass.
top

When do I pay for my U-Pass BC card?

The U-Pass charges are included in your student fees. For Winter Terms 1 and 2, you will be assessed the U-Pass BC fee at the beginning of each term and will be charged for all 4 months of U-Pass at once. For the summer term only, you will be assessed and charged the U-Pass fee on a monthly basis and are only eligible for U-Pass BC in each month that you meet eligibility requirements. For example, if you are taking courses and meet eligibility requirements in May and June, you are only eligible to receive a U-Pass for May and June and will not receive a U-Pass for July and August.
top

What if I owe tuition or am on financial hold?

September 7th, 2011 is the last day for payment of first installment of fees for registration and course changes made before September 1. Students who have not paid their fees will be placed on financial hold. If you are on financial hold, you will not be able to pick up your October U-Pass BC. Students with an approved fee deferral will not be placed on financial hold. For more information on tuition deadlines click here.
top

I tried to get my pass, but the machine wouldn’t give it to me

You will not be an issued a U-Pass if you have outstanding fees from a prior academic year on your student account, if your UBCcard is expired or demagnetized, if you are not already registered in courses for the Term, or if you are not eligible. For more information on eligibility requirements, please see U-Pass BC Eligibility, Exemptions and Subsidies. You can pay your outstanding fees online through the Student Services Centre. The vending machines will not issue U-Passes BC if your UBC card has been demagnetized or has been replaced with a newer card. New UBCcards are available at the Carding Office in the UBC bookstore

What happens if I complete all my program requirements in the middle of the term? Am I still eligible for U-Pass BC?

top

You will no longer be eligible for U-Pass BC in the month following when you complete your course requirements. You will get a refund for the month(s) that you are no longer eligible for U-Pass BC, provided you have not picked up a pass for those months.
top

 

Using Your U-Pass

When can I start using my U-Pass?

Your pass is valid from the beginning of the month, regardless of when you pick up your pass. You cannot use your pass before the beginning of the month in which it is valid.
top

Why doesn’t the pass have a photo on it?

TransLink makes all decisions about the type of fare media they will issue and accept. Your U-Pass BC card is personalized once you sign the back of your pass (required upon receipt). You are also required to carry your valid student ID with you at all times when your pass is in use.
top

Doesn’t the new program lend itself to fraud?

TransLink has designed the new U-Pass BC card with built-in security features to help minimize fraudulent use of the pass. The new U-Pass BC card cannot be replicated or duplicated and can only be used by the eligible student it was issued to. You must sign the back of your card upon receipt. Your U-Pass BC is only valid when presented with valid student ID.
top

What if I forget my pass/student ID?

You must always carry your UBCcard with your U-Pass BC. The U-Pass BC card is valid only when signed and presented with valid student ID. If you forget your pass or your student ID, then you are required to pay the appropriate transit fare and you may be subject to fines and/or loss of U-Pass BC privileges.
top

What if I lose my U-Pass?

You are limited to one replacement pass per term at a cost of $35.
top

What if I lose my student ID?

Lost or Stolen UBCcards must be reported immediately. UBC departments (including the Bookstore, Library, Food Services, Housing, Athletics and others) assume no responsibility for fraudulent use of your UBCcard before the Lost or Stolen Card Notification Form is submitted and processed by the UBC Carding Office. You can report your lost or stolen UBC Cards online. UBCcards can be replaced for a $25 fee (subject to change without notice). It is important to replace lost Student ID cards as these are required for valid use of your U-Pass and a UBCcard that is not reported lost could be used to claim your U-Pass.
top

Can I loan a pass to a friend?

Passes are non-transferable so you may not loan your pass to anyone.
top

If I’m not able to use my pass, can I sell it to another person?

The U-Pass BC card is not transferable. Lending or selling your U-Pass BC card to another person, or attempting to use another person’s U-Pass BC card, is an offence. Students need to carry additional photo I.D. to verify your identity and that you are currently registered as a student at an enrolled U-Pass BC institution.
top


Last updated on October 4, 2011 @4:38 pm

a place of mind, The Univeristy of British Columbia

Transportation Planning
2260 West Mall - Third Floor South
Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability,
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
Email:

Emergency Procedures | Accessibility | Contact UBC  | © Copyright The University of British Columbia