U-Pass BC FAQ

A: The new U-Pass BC Program provides eligible students at participating public post secondary institutions with lower transit fares while they are taking courses. Participation is open to all public post-secondary institutions' campuses in Metro Vancouver. To implement the program, TransLink has been working closely with all the participating post secondary institutions and their student societies.

The "U" in U-Pass BC stands for "universal". All eligible students must pay a set monthly amount and each of them will receive a transit pass. By having all eligible students contribute to the U-Pass BC program, the cost per student is significantly lower.

A: The objectives of the new U-Pass BC Program are to:

• Provide lower-cost travel for students
• Encourage students to make transit part of their lifestyle by including travel with the U-Pass BC card for entertainment, recreation and other non-school related trips
• Reduce single occupancy vehicles, traffic congestion and greenhouse gases
• Begin to create a sustainable transit program that provides students with a low cost transit fare and a level of transit service that meets this demand
• Create a new U-Pass BC Code of Ethics that allows students to continue to enjoy the benefits of the U-Pass BC card

A: TransLink's previous Vancity U-Pass program ended on August 31, 2011 and all currently participating public post-secondary institutions have an opportunity to subscribe to the new U-Pass BC Program.

A: Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, Langara College and Capilano University.

A: In Metro Vancouver, the following public post secondary schools' campuses within Metro Vancouver are eligible to join the new U-Pass BC Program:

• University of British Columbia
• Simon Fraser University
• Capilano University
• Langara College
• Vancouver Community College
• Douglas College
• Emily Carr University of Art and Design
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• The Justice Institute of BC
• British Columbia Institute of Technology
• Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

Each participating post secondary institution in Metro Vancouver is part of the same U-Pass BC program and the U-Pass BC card price per student is the same regardless of the number of post secondary institutions that are participating.

A: Only public, post-secondary schools within the Metro Vancouver region, as determined by the Ministry of Advanced Education, are eligible to join TransLink's U-Pass BC Program. Privately funded, post-secondary schools, at this time, are not eligible to join the U-Pass BC Program. Private schools requesting further information should contact the Provincial representative - John Coombs, Manager Strategic Planning and Policy, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Transit Branch at: John.Coombs@gov.bc.ca

A: To join the new U-Pass BC program, students approved it according to the processes allowed by their student society. In many cases, this involved a referendum. As well, each post secondary institution agreed to administer the program in its agreement with TransLink. If, through this process, a post secondary institution subscribes to U-Pass BC, the program becomes mandatory for all students who meet the eligibility criteria – this helps keep the cost low. However, there are limited exemptions for students if they meet certain criteria. To find out if you are eligible for an exemption, contact your post secondary institution or student society.

A: For information about the program in other areas of the Province, please contact - John Coombs, Manager Strategic Planning and Policy, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Transit Branch at: John.Coombs@gov.bc.ca

A: In Metro Vancouver, students participating in the new U-Pass BC program will pay $30 per month.

A: The U-Pass BC card fee is assessed with other student fees and your tuition. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will pay the U-Pass BC fee for the period in which you are receiving educational services at your school and continue to be a member of your student society.

A: The U-Pass BC is valid for one month and will have the month of validity printed on the pass.

A:

A: With the implementation of the new U-Pass BC program, the FastTrax program was discontinued at all post secondary institutions.

A: The U-Pass BC provided by your institution and TransLink is only valid in TransLink's operating area. Although the U-Pass BC is a Provincial initiative and universal across the Province, there are actually multiple programs. One for Metro Vancouver issued in collaboration with TransLink and each of the PSI's and their Student Society's that have joined the new U-Pass BC Program; and others, as required across BC Transit service areas. Therefore the TransLink issued card is not valid on BC Transit's system and similarly a BC Transit issued pass is not valid in the Lower Mainland.

A: No, the U-Pass BC card is not eligible for this benefit. In accordance with the Transit Tariff, only full fare 1, 2 and 3 zone adult Farecards, employer passes, and WCE employer passes are valid on Sundays and Statutory Holidays for two adults (14 and older) and up to four children (13 and under).

A: Under the new U-Pass BC program, eligible HandyDART users will be able to use their U-Pass BC card for their HandyDART trips.

A: Each post secondary institution will decide how they will distribute U-Passes BC to their students, and how many passes will be distributed at once. Students should check with their institution or Student Society for more information.

A: Your U-Pass BC should be treated as cash. Replacements of lost or stolen U-Passes BC will be very limited. Each post secondary institution will determine their own replacement policies and procedures, and may choose to limit or deny replacements. A fee of $35 will be charged for each replacement pass.

A: A defective U-Pass BC may be replaced by your post secondary institution at no charge upon return of the defective U-Pass BC to your post secondary institution.

A: U-Pass BC cards that meet the criteria for damaged passes may be replaced by your post secondary institution upon receipt of the damaged pass for a $10 fee payable to TransLink plus any fee charged by your post secondary institution. Each post secondary institution will determine their own replacement policies and procedures, and may choose to limit or deny replacements of damaged U-Pass BC cards.

A: No. TransLink staff must be able to check the validity and authenticity of a U-Pass BC, therefore, a pass which is laminated or altered in any way will be considered void.

A: The U-Pass BC is valid only when presented with Proof of Eligibility (a valid student card from the matching PSI with a photo of the student, or if the student card does not include a photo, a valid government-issued identification that includes a photo of the student plus the student card) and when the student has legibly printed their name on the back of the U-Pass BC.

A: Concession fares apply to children 5 to 13 years old, secondary students ages 14 to 19 with a valid GoCard, seniors 65+ with proof of age and HandyCard holders riding conventional transit. These people can travel at a reduced price. Under the Transit Tariff, any passenger with a concession fare must present evidence of eligibility for that concession fare to a Transit Employee upon request.

A: 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.

A: If you are caught without a valid fare (U-Pass BC plus matching student card), your U-Pass BC may be confiscated and you may be fined $173.

If a person is caught using another student's U-Pass BC or using a U-Pass BC forgery, in addition to the above penalties, the pass will be seized and the person may be charged with fraud and arrested.

Under the U-Pass BC Agreement; TransLink, the post secondary institution and the Student Society each have the ability to restrict students from receiving U-Passes BC for any period of time as a result of fraudulent or inappropriate use of a U-Pass BC.

A: In accordance with the Tariff and the U-Pass BC Agreement, no refunds will be considered.

A: To discuss the details related to correspondence students, contact your post secondary institution or student society.

A: On WCE, the U-Pass BC pass entitles students to either an add-fare discount of $2.50 off an adult fare, or they can purchase a WCE 28-Day U-Pass for $94. Students must have a valid U-Pass to qualify.

A: If you are a student at a participating school, talk to your school's student organization.