EPP Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Employer Pass Program? |
A: The Employer Pass Program allows approved organizations to provide their employees with a personalized annual transit pass at a discount, through the convenience of payroll deductions. |
Q: Who can sign up? |
A: Any company can apply to join the program provided that they agree to the terms outlined in the Employer Agreement (see Terms and Conditions). In addition, a minimum of 25 employees must be willing to commit to the program for at least one year. Once an employer signs up with the minimum enrolment, new employees in that organization may enroll during any calendar month. |
Q: On what TransLink services is the pass valid? |
A: This program offers two types of passes. The conventional transit pass is valid on any bus or Community Shuttle operated by a TransLink subsidiary or contractor (except HandyDART), SkyTrain and SeaBus. The West Coast Express pass is valid on West Coast Express as well as conventional transit services. All passes are valid for travel 365 days per year within the zones designated on the pass and there are no service limitations. |
Q: What are the costs and savings of this program? |
A: The EPP program offers about a 15% discount on monthly fares. Learn more about how much you can save by visiting our Cost Savings page. |
Q: Is the pass transferable? |
A: No. The passes for this program are personalized with the name of the pass holder and employer and are not transferable. |
Q: Does my company have to send payment to TransLink by the 15th or does it just have to be postmarked by that date? |
A: Payment must be received by TransLink on or before the 15th of the month. |
Q: When is the latest date that a company can submit a change of status request form to TransLink? |
(For example, if someone was using a one-zone pass and wanted to change to a two-zone transit pass, what is the latest date this information would need to be submitted?)
A: All changes, cancelations or suspensions must be received by the EPP Desk by the cut-off date in the Schedule of Key Dates. |
Q: Can I use my Employer Pass with FastTrax? |
A: No, Discount programs cannot be combined. |
Q: What does the employer have to do to sign up? |
A: To sign-up and participate in the program, the employer must first ensure that a minimum of 25 people are committed to participating in the program for 12 consecutive months. For the process of signing up, visit the How to Sign Up page. |
Q: What are the pass holder's responsibilities? |
A: The pass holder must commit to the program for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. Upon registering for the program, pass holders must pay a non-refundable $15 fee to cover the cost of producing the pass. The Employer pass is valid as long as the employee continues payment to the employer. Since the Employer Pass remains the property of TransLink, all passes must be returned to the company coordinator when an employee leaves the program. |
Q: Are spouses and dependants eligible for Employer Passes? |
A: Spouses and dependants are not eligible for Employer Passes. |
Q: Are there other benefits with the EPP? |
A: You can take one other adult and four children (six people in total) on transit with your Employer Pass on Sundays and Statutory holidays. These passes are eligible for a 15% federal tax credit. Keep a photocopy of your pass as proof of purchase. |
Q: Why doesn't the pass have a photo on it? |
A: Not including a photo makes the process of obtaining an Employer Pass easier for employers and their employees. Note that when using the Employer Pass, employees are still required to carry their own personal photo I.D. |