U-Pass Program Details

KPU U-Pass BC Agreement (2020 – 2025)

The final version of the new U-Pass BC contract is more than 30 pages long with many sections using technical or convoluted language. Despite the fact it is a difficult document to read, we feel that it is important for students to know what all of the terms and conditions for the U-Pass BC are.

On this page you will find a condensed interpretation of the contract. It is broken down to paraphrase each section of the contract that will be the most relevant for Kwantlen students.

  • The Deal1
    • The U-Pass BC contract is between TransLink, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), and the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA).
    • Two agreements are required: U-Pass BC contract and Risk Mitigation Agreement.
    • The Risk Mitigation Agreement is between KPU, KSA and the Province. It sets out rules for how the U-Pass BC fee is collected and the passes distributed. The purpose is to make it hard for students to sign up for classes only to get a U-Pass BC, then withdraw.
  • Usage Requirements1
    • Students must successfully load their U-Pass benefit onto their Compass Card each month.
    • While using your U-Pass you must carry your KPU student ID with you at all times.
    • If you fail to do either of these two things then you can be assessed a fine by the Transit Police.
    • Students who commits fraud or abuses the U-Pass BC program could be banned from the program.
    • Riding on transit without a successfully loaded Compass Card with U-Pass or your student ID card could result in either a fine, confiscation of the Compass Card with U-Pass, or both. There are no refunds if you are able to prove your eligibility after being assessed a fine.
  • Benefits1
    • The U-Pass BC provides you with 3 zone access to all standard TransLink services.
    • The U-Pass BC can also be used on the Canada Line and the Airport extension.
    • You may use the U-Pass BC for trips on the SeaBus between Downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver.
    • The U-Pass BC will also provide access for HandyDART services for people with disabilities.
    • Discounts on fares for the West Coast Express will also be available for U-Pass BC holders.
  • Fees and Finances1
    • The current cost of the U-Pass BC program is $43.35/month (Fall 2021).
    • In response to the successful Student Association’s 2019 Student Referendum, KPU will continue to administer the U-Pass BC program. The fees for the U-Pass BC program are automatically added to your student fees. Below is the pricing from January 2020 to April 2025:
      • $41.00 per month from January 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020
      • $42.50 per month from May 1, 2020 – April 30, 2021
      • $43.35 per month from May 1, 2021 – April 30 2022
      • $44.20 per month from May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023
      • $45.10 per month from May 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024
      • $46.00 per month from May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025

    • Replacement fee for a Compass Card for U-Pass BC is a $6 deposit.
    • KPU and the KSA are not allowed to provide a subsidy to any students, except for cases of financial hardship.
    • The KSA may, at our discretion, audit the U-Pass BC program at our own cost.
    • If transit service is interrupted for more than three days, a prorated refund will be issued to KPU.
    • Any greenhouse gas credits derived as a result of the U-Pass BC program are retained by TransLink.
    • KPU and the KSA are not allowed to provide a subsidy to any students, except for cases of financial hardship. See MultiPass Hardship Bursary for more details.
  • Eligibility, Opt-ins, and Opt-outs1
    • The U-Pass BC program is mandatory for all eligible students. This means nearly all KPU students.
    • An eligible student is anyone who is enrolled in at least three credits or whose tuition totals more than the cost of a full price three zone transit pass.
    • Students can be opted in, but only if all students in the program or category are also opted in – it’s all or none.
    • Students can be opted out, but only if all students in their program or category are also opted out – it’s all or none.
    • Students are automatically excluded if they live outside the Metro Vancouver region AND aren’t taking classes on campus (online or offsite classes).
    • Students may become exempt from the program if they already get a U-Pass from another school; they get a transit pass from somewhere else (such as an employee benefit from work); they have a disability that cannot be accommodated by TransLink.
    • The University is able to define additional exemption categories as long as these additional categories do not exceed more than 1% of eligible students.
    • For more details on how to apply for an exemption, please visit www.kpu.ca/upass or email upass@kpu.ca.
  • Limits1
    • KPU is allowed to exempt a maximum 5% of students.
    • KPU may exempt certain students for special cases as long as these do not account for more than 1% of eligible students.
    • The number of U-Pass BC replaced due to being lost or stolen must not be more than 2% of the total number of passes.
  • Communication1
    • KPU and the KSA must help TransLink distribute route and schedule information about transit service to students.
    • KPU and KSA are also required to explain to students why it is a mandatory program and why it is important to not sell the pass or do anything else illegal that would undermine the program.
    • KPU and KSA are required to share information with TransLink that would help them assess demand for service.
    • TransLink is required to tell KPU and KSA if there is any significant change in service.
    • Sponsorship of the U-Pass BC program is not allowed – no advertising on the pass or any of the material associated with it.
    • KPU and the KSA are required to do huge piles of paperwork.
    • The U-Pass Program Advisory Committee monitors the impact and effectiveness of the program, works on service issues, and considers contract amendments.
  • Term, Dates, and Deadlines1
    • The current U-Pass BC agreement is valid until April 30, 2025.
    • Six months’ written notice is needed in order to cancel the agreement.
    • Six months’ notice is required to renew the contract.
    • If the rate changes, TransLink will give six months’ notice.
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