U-Pass BC – Understanding your U-pass

What is the U-Pass?

The UPass-BC is a discounted, unlimited transit pass available to eligible students. The result of successful advocacy from your Students’ Union and student associations across Metro Vancouver. The UPass is an agreement between Translink, the provincial government and all students’ unions across Metro Vancouver.

The UPass-BC program is structured as a universal and mandatory program for students at participating public post-secondary institutions. This universal model makes the affordability of the UPass-BC program possible, saving those who rely on it up to $538 a semester.

Who is eligible?

Eligible students are SUVCC members and fit within the following categories:

Students in programs and courses for which a T2202A (tax form) is issued (subject to a minimum number of course credits/tuition)
Students in Adult Basic Education and English as an Additional Language (includes LINC and ESL Pathways) for 12 hours/week or more, or are
Continuing Studies students taking the Fashion Design program or Early Childhood Care & Education Diploma program

Who is not eligible?

The following students are NOT eligible to participate in the U-Pass program:

Students taking only distance/online courses
Continuing Studies students NOT enrolled in eligible Continuing Studies courses

Students who are registered in online-only University Transfer and Pathways courses will be re-assessed every 2-3 weeks and have their U-Pass charges and eligibility dropped. Please note that activated U-Pass months cannot be dropped.

U-PASS FAQs

Who is exempt from the U-Pass program?

The following students can apply for exemption from U-Pass:

Students who already have a U-Pass from another institution
Students who have a transit pass as a result of a disability (e.g. students with a Canadian National Institute for the Blind card)
You hold another non-transferable transit pass which is valid for each month of the duration of the U-Pass term (e.g. transit employee subsidiary pass).

If you fit the exemption requirements above, please go to the Student Accounts Office with your other pass or proof of exemption and they will be able to opt you out by making a note on your account.

Can others use my Compass Card?

No, the Compass Card is non-transferable. It is recommended to carry your student ID with you while traveling and using your U-Pass.

Where can I use my U-Pass?

Your U-Pass can be used on:

Any Skytrain, Canada Line, and Translink bus across the Lower Mainland
HandyDART (just show Compass Card for entry)
West Coast Express
SeaBus

How do I activate the U-Pass on my Compass Card?

After you have purchased your Compass Card, you can activate it by visiting https://upassbc.translink.ca/ and following the step by step card loading process below. Please note that you must reload your card monthly for continual use. Activation can take up to 24 hours to process, so please allow for this time before traveling. All expenses incurred as a result of insufficient activation time are considered non-refundable.

Once you have activated your card, you will be able to set up your account such that you receive monthly reminders to renew you card.

I have paid the U-PASS fee, where do I get my compass card?

You are able to obtain a campus card through one of the following ways:

Online at the Compass Card website (https://www.compasscard.ca/OrderCard)
By visiting the Compass Card Customer Service Center at the Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain Station
Calling Compass Card Customer Service: 604-398-2042
Purchase at a Compass Vending Machines, located at skytrain stations
Purchase at any London Drugs location in BC

Note that cards cost $6 to purchase.

I’ve lost my Compass Card, can I get a new one?

Yes. You can purchase a new Compass Card and link that card to your U-Pass account in the same way you linked your old card. If you experience trouble linking a new card, visit www.compasscard.ca/ContactUs

How to load your U-Pass

COVID-19

The U-Pass BC program is resuming Sept. 1, 2020 for students who are in classes that require regular on-campus attendance.

The U-Pass BC program was temporarily suspended from May to August 2020 due to COVID-19 precautions and the majority of classes moving to online instruction. VCC will update all U-Pass fee assessments made prior to Sept. 1 to ensure any U-Pass fees match student eligibility.