The U-Pass BC program is a subsidized transit pass program that provides post-secondary students with universal, accessible and affordable access to public transit across Metro Vancouver. The U-Pass BC program costs $184.00 per academic term or $46.00 per month, providing students with a full 3-Zone Pass per month.
To request your U-Pass BC for the month, visit the U-Pass BC website, select “University of British Columbia” as the school and log in with your CWL.
Only students residing outside of Metro Vancouver AND all your courses are online or you currently enrolled in a co-op or practicum placement are eligible for an AMS U-Pass BC Exemption.
Driving a car and/or not using public transit does not qualify you for an AMS exemption. See FAQ below for more details.
If you meet the regular U-Pass exemption criteria, such as not being able to use the U-Pass due to a disability, you may apply for an exemption by creating a request (SF U-Pass Exemption) in Workday. The deadline to apply for an exemption is May 26, 2025. Please also review the information below on “If you plan to apply for an exemption.”
Do not apply for an exemption if you use the transit system of Metro Vancouver or if you do not meet the U-Pass exemption criteria.
To apply for the Regular U-Pass exemption, please follow the instructions.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible to have the cost of your U-Pass partially or fully subsidized.
Applications for financial hardship subsidies for Summer Term 1 must be submitted between June 11 and June 16 2025.
Applications for financial hardship subsidies for Summer Term 2 must be submitted between July 16 and July 29 2025.
See this link for the application.
NOTE: All AMS U-Pass exemption application decisions are final and there is no possibility for appeals.
As negotiated with Translink, the following regions fall under Metro Vancouver: Anmore, Belcarra, Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley (City and Township, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver (City and District), Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey (incl. Barnston Island), Tsawwassen First Nation, UBC, University Endowment Lands, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and White Rock.
You can apply for an exemption ONLY if you are residing outside of Metro Vancouver during your co-op term. Co-op students are considered to be full-time students. As a result, if you are residing in Metro Vancouver during your co-op term, you will be assessed and expected to pay the fee.
All post-secondary students from participating academic institutions in Metro Vancouver are required to pay the U-Pass BC fee. This pooled financial effort is the reason Translink is able to provide a cost-reduced, subsidized transit pass specifically for post-secondary students. By having everyone contribute together towards the U-Pass, students can enjoy highly subsidized and accessible public transportation. Even if you don’t use your pass to commute you still benefit. U-Pass BC contributes to a better driving experience by reducing the number of vehicles on the road and parked at UBC.
In coordination with UBC, we’ve worked to ensure that immunocompromised students are eligible for exemptions from the U-Pass BC fee. If you are not registered with the Centre for Accessibility, you can apply through Workday Student.
As we are experiencing a high volume of exemption and subsidy applications, we are processing the applications on a rolling basis. You can still pay your tuition, and if/when your subsidy or exemption is approved, your workday will be credited. The AMS will not be responsible for any late fees or financial holds as a result of the student not paying the tuition fees (U-Pass included) before the tuition deadline. We do not send out emails to applicants who have been approved. You will only receive an email if your application has been denied.
No, the AMS U-Pass BC program only applies to eligible UBC Vancouver students. UBC Okanagan students are not part of the TransLink U-Pass BC program and do not use Compass Cards. UBCO students have a separate transit program administered by the UBCO Student Union (SUO) in partnership with BC Transit, using the UMO digital fare system.
