U-Pass FAQ

Review frequently asked questions about the U-pass below.

U-Pass BC is a universal transit program offered by Douglas College in partnership with the Douglas Students’ Union (DSU), TransLink and the Province of British Columbia. U-Pass BC provides affordable access to public transit in Metro Vancouver for eligible students. A number of post-secondary institutions have joined the program.

Douglas College students have participated in the U-Pass BC program since September 2011. The current agreement expires December 31, 2019. In February 2019, the DSU held a U-Pass BC referendum and students voted in support of a renewed five year agreement starting January 1, 2020 to April 30, 2025.

U-Pass BC provides unlimited, all-zone access to TransLink bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus services, as well as discounts on the West Coast Express.

In addition to providing you with low-cost travel, U-Pass BC encourages you to make transit part of your lifestyle, which helps reduce greenhouse gasses while creating a sustainable transit program.

Rates by month:

May 1, 2020 –  April 30, 2021 - $42.50

May 1, 2021 –  April 30, 2022 - $43.35

May 1, 2022 –  April 30, 2023 - $44.20

May 1, 2023 –  April 30, 2024 - $45.10

May 1, 2024 –  April 30, 2025 - $46.00

The cost per semester for eligible students varies depending on program length.

After you have registered for your courses, our system will charge your account with the applicable fees for U-Pass BC. All outstanding fees (including U-Pass BC fees) are due by the Fee Payment Deadline each semester. All fees associated with registration for the current term must be paid in full, or a fee deferral submitted, before you can get your U-Pass BC.

Once you link a Compass Card to your U-Pass BC account, you can request your U-Pass BC. You can request your U-Pass BC for the current calendar month anytime. You can request your U-Pass BC for the next calendar month on or after the 16th of the current month. It can take up to 24 hours to process your request.

NOTE: To get your Compass Card, you must have a current student ID card. Your student ID card is issued only if you have paid your fees in full. You can then load your U-Pass BC onto your Compass Card.

All students registered in a minimum of three credits and who are paying student union fees are required to participate in the program (regardless of whether you live in or outside of Metro Vancouver).  

Students taking Math and English upgrading courses (MATU/ENGU) will be required to participate in the program if  they are paying student union fees and they have 12 hours of instructional class time per week or more. This eligibility also applies to domestic students taking ELLA courses.

  • students taking online courses only
  • non-credit students (Continuing Education and Training Group)
  • outgoing exchange and field school students

No. Students who are not eligible (e.g., Continuing Education students) will not be able to opt in to the U-Pass BC program.

No. All eligible students are required to participate. Exemptions will be granted if you hold a transit pass that is valid for the duration of the U-Pass BC term.

You may also be exempt if you have a documented physical or psychological condition that prevents you from using public transit, or if you have already purchased a U-Pass BC from another post-secondary institution.

If you fall into one of these categories, you will need to complete an exemption form. Email upassbc@douglascollege.ca for details or call 604 527 5770.

NOTE: The exemption deadline for the Winter 2025 semester is January 20, 2025. Forms submitted past the deadline will not be processed. (Important: do not request your U-Pass BC on Compass Card if you are submitting a request for exemption.)

  • U-Pass BC Exemption form
    Fill out if you hold a transit pass that is valid for the duration of the U-Pass BC program or if you have a U-Pass BC from another post-secondary institution in the Lower Mainland.
  • U-Pass BC Medical Exemption form
    Fill out if you have a documented physical or psychological condition that prevents you from using transit.

Yes, the program is mandatory. In February 2019, the DSU held a U-Pass BC referendum and students voted in support of a renewed five year agreement starting January 1, 2020 to April 30, 2025.

If you drop your courses and you are no longer U-Pass eligible, you will receive a refund cheque in the mail. The refund amount will be for the current and future months U-Pass BC that have not been requested. If you have requested your U-Pass BC, there is no refund. There is also no refund for prior months U-Pass BC.

U-Pass BC students will use their Compass Card as a flash pass on HandyDART; you are not required to tap in and tap out on HandyDart. If you ride on the conventional system (bus, train, or SeaBus), you will need to tap in and tap out.

Currently, if you travel with an attendant, please ensure you have your HandyCard with you. Your HandyCard provides free travel for your attendant. This applies to both Compass Card customers and people who use traditional fare media. In the future, Access Transit Compass Cards will replace HandyCards. On the conventional system (bus, train, or SeaBus) people who travel with an attendant must tap their Compass Card, or use their traditional fare media, and show their HandyCard to bus operators when boarding.