U-Pass BC
The U-Pass BC is an unlimited transit pass for eligible students at public post-secondary schools in Metro Vancouver. I that is a victory of the Emily Carr Students’ Union, as part of the OnePassNow campaign. It’s a partnership program between all student associations and public post-secondary institutions in Metro Vancouver, the provincial government, and TransLink.
The U-Pass BC program provides ECSU members (Emily Carr University students) with unlimited access to conventional transit in the Metro Vancouver region. We continued to work with TransLink, public post-secondary institutions, and student associations across Metro Vancouver, and the Province of British Columbia to find a solution for the spring term.
The U-Pass BC program is structured as a universal and mandatory program for students at participating public post-secondary institutions, and it is this universal model that makes the affordability of the U-Pass BC program possible. For students who rely on the U-Pass BC program, this means savings of up to $538 on transit passes every semester.
More information is available through the University at www.connect.ecuad.ca/studentservices/upassbc
Release: U-Pass BC 2025
How the U-Pass BC works:
If you are taking at least 3 credits at Emily Carr you are automatically enrolled in the U-Pass BC program. You have to get a blue Compass Card(U-Pass will not work on the orange concession card), go to https://upassbc.translink.ca/ every month and load your U-Pass BC for that month. All you need is your student number, your EC log-in, and your Compass Card number. Remember you need to activate each month. We recommend doing so at least 24 hrs before the month starts.
Reasons why it might not activate:
Most of the time if you Compass Card is not activating it might be due to a negative balance on your card. When your balance goes down even -0.01 the U-Pass BC will not be able to activate. Make sure to have a $0 or positive balance before you activate. And don’t worry, if you have a positive balance the money will stay there until the U-Pass BC expires.
Where do I get a Compass Card?
If this is your first time using the U-Pass BC you will need to buy a compass card. You can buy one for a 6 dollar refundable deposit at any SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express stations as well as certain London Drugs locations.
Can I get an exemption if I’m driving to campus?
No, all students need to pay this fee even if they are driving, biking or walking to campus. There are only a few specific cases that apply to an exemption on this fee, for example having another pass from another university or having a disability transit pass.
Can I get an exemption if I’m living out of the Metro Vancouver area?
Yes. As part of our temporary flexibility due to COVID-19, you can get an exemption if you are not living in Metro Vancouver this semester. To do so please follow the steps at the bottom of this page.
When can I start using my Summer U-Pass BC?
You can start using the U-Pass BC as of May 1st.
