U-Pass

What is the U-Pass?

The U-Pass program provides AMS members with unlimited access to all of TransLink’s services, including all bus routes, Skytrain lines, and the SeaBus. The U-Pass is a mandatory program for all AMS members and costs $35.00 per month. This very successful program was re-approved by 96% of voters at the most recent student referendum in January 2013.

Cost Savings

Thanks to the efforts of AMS representatives in contract negotiations over the U-Pass BC, this program will continue to improve accessibility for all AMS members and will create a significant cost-saving for our membership.

For comparison, the equivalent three-zone monthly pass would cost $170.00 per month. Not only does the U-Pass BC provide unlimited 3-zone service, but it also costs less than every other monthly pass offered by TransLink. In fact, the U-Pass BC costs less than the concession fare paid by schoolchildren in the Lower Mainland.

TansLink’s monthly fares are as follows:

U-Pass BC                                       $35.00
1-Zone                                              $91.00
2-Zone                                              $124.00
3-Zone                                              $170.00

Eligibility and Exemptions

If your program of study qualifies for the U-Pass program, then the university will automatically add the AMS U-Pass fee to your financial account. If you are concerned about your eligibility for the U-Pass, please check your financial account, via the SSC portal, to verify payment of the AMS U-Pass fee.

Under limited circumstances, AMS members can obtain a refund of their U-Pass fees.

If an AMS member withdraws from all courses during the “add/drop period” and if, during this period, the student surrenders their U-Pass to Enrollment Services, then the student will receive a full refund of their AMS U-Pass fees.

An AMS member can also apply for an exemption from the U-Pass program if they meet certain exemption criteria. For more details on exemption criteria see: http://www.upass.ubc.ca/exemptions-and-subsidies/

Compass Card

In Fall 2013, TransLink will be switching to a brand-new fair medium. Compass is a durable, reloadable, electronic fare card that works everywhere on transit in Metro Vancouver and will replace all current paper passes. Compass cards can be loaded with the fare product of your choosing, or you can add stored value and pay as you go. The program also allows you to add products or stored value to your card at Compass vending machines, online, by phone, or at a customer service centre. For more information on the Compass Card, see http://www.translink.ca/en/Fares-and-Passes/Compass-Card.aspx