UPass FAQ

How do I get my UPass?

Who is eligible to receive the UPass?

How much does the UPass cost?

How is the UPass rate determined?

When is the UPass valid?

Is the UPass valid only for travel to and from Mount Royal?

What if I lose my ONECard with my UPass sticker on it?

What if my ONECard or UPass is damaged?

How do I opt-out of the UPass program?

Who can opt-out of the UPass?

What constitutes proof of my eligibility to opt-out?

Can I transfer my UPass to another person?

Why does Mount Royal have a UPass program?

What are the benefits of the UPass program?

The UPass would be more useful to me if there was better bus service. What is Mount Royal doing to improve transit access to campus?

I take my car to school every day and pay for parking. Why do I have to pay for the UPass too?

More questions?

Contact the ONECard Desk at ONECard@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.7711.

How do I get my UPass?

Eligible students have two options to acquire their UPass: they can either register for the Calgary Transit MyFare or Transit app or collect their UPass stickers from the ONECard Desk, located inside the Cougar Campus Store (H100). To receive the UPass sticker, students must present a valid ONECard. Please note that if your ONECard is cracked, damaged, or if the photo is no longer visible, it must be replaced before obtaining the UPass.

It's important to ensure you obtain your UPass before the start of the semester. Failure to provide valid proof of payment while using transit may result in a fine of at least $250."

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Who is eligible to receive the UPass?

All students registered as full-time credit students during the Fall and/or Winter semesters are eligible for the UPass. Full-time status is defined as being enrolled in 9 or more credits per semester, exclusively through Mount Royal University. Exclusions apply to part-time students, non-credit students, academic upgrading participants, diploma program enrollees, ESL program attendees, co-op program participants, and continuing education program enrollees.

Students enrolled in full-time certificate programs offered by Continuing Education, such as the ESL program or Bridge to Canadian Nursing, do not qualify for the UPass program.

If you're unsure about your registration status, you can log in to myMRU and review your "Account summary by term." If the S/A UPass fee appears on your account, you're eligible for a UPass for that semester.

Please note that changes to your course registration, such as adding or dropping courses, can impact your eligibility status. Therefore, if you've recently made changes to your registration, we recommend waiting 48 hours before collecting your UPass.

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How much does the UPass cost?

If you are a full-time credit student, the fee is included with your tuition amounts. The costs for the upcoming Academic Years are as follows:

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How is the UPass rate determined?

The UPass rate is determined by Calgary Transit, taking into account the current ridership levels. These levels are assessed through various research studies and surveys. The rate calculation involves multiplying the current   by the cost of a monthly bus pass and then dividing by the total number of participants in the program.

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When is the UPass valid?

The UPass program provides full-time students with unlimited transit access during the Fall and Winter semesters only. UPasses are not currently issued for the Spring or Summer semesters.

• The Fall semester UPass is valid from September 1st to December 31st.
• The Winter semester UPass is valid from January 1st to April 30th.

Students should verify the validity of their UPass before traveling to ensure uninterrupted access to transit.

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Is the UPass valid only for travel to and from Mount Royal?

No, the UPass grants access to the entire Calgary Transit system, including the C-Train and bus networks. Enjoy unlimited travel for all your activities within Calgary city limits. Please note that Calgary Transit services do not extend to Airdrie ICE or surrounding communities.

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What if I lose my ONECard or my ONECard is stolen with my UPass sticker on it?

If your ONECard, with the UPass sticker attached, is lost or stolen, a replacement UPass sticker can only be obtained at the full cost of the original. However, if your original or replacement card is found within 5 business days, you can return it for a refund. Please note that refunds will not be issued after the 5 business days deadline.

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What if my ONECard or UPass is damaged?

If your ONECard or UPass is damaged, please visit the ONECard Desk located in the Cougars Campus Store (H100). Our staff will assess the damage to your card and inform you of any replacement fees, if applicable. If your card needs to be replaced along with the UPass sticker, we will facilitate the exchange. However, if the UPass sticker on the damaged card is illegible, you will be charged the full replacement cost for a new UPass sticker.

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How do I opt-out of the UPass program?

Only eligible students may apply to opt-out of the program and receive a refund of their UPass fee. To opt-out, students must complete the opt-out form available at the ONECard Desk or online here, and submit it to our service counter (H100) before the posted deadline. Photocopies of students' proof of opt-out eligibility will be made, with the original documentation returned to the student.

The deadlines for opting-out are:

• September 23, 2024: Fall UPass
• January 20, 2025: Winter UPass

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Who can opt-out of the UPass?

The UPass is a mandatory fee, established through student referendums in March 2005, 2006, and 2007. Only specific groups of students are eligible to opt-out of the UPass program, provided they can provide valid proof. These groups include:

• Students who are physically disabled and rely on Handi-Bus or Access Calgary services.
• Students who cannot use either of Calgary Transit regular services or specialised services due to disability.
• Students who are legally blind and possess a CNIB bus pass.
• Students enrolled in directed field studies courses that necessitate relocation from Calgary.
• Outbound exchange students studying abroad.
• Senior citizens with purchased senior citizens' bus passes.
• Students registered in a distance learning program ant not attending classes on campus during the term.
• Calgary Transit employees entitled to free transit under their Collective Bargaining Agreement

IMPORTANT NOTICE

According the Calgary Transit and in accordance with the UPass contract, students cannot opt-out of the UPass program with the purchase of low-income bus passes. This is not a valid criteria for opting out of the program.

If you do not fall under any of these categories, you cannot opt-out of the UPass program.

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What constitutes proof of my eligibility to opt-out?

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Can I transfer my UPass to another person?

No, the UPass is strictly non-transferable. Any attempt to fraudulently use or alter the UPass will result in immediate confiscation by Transit authorities. Those found misusing the UPass may be subject to a $250 fine imposed by Transit authorities. Moreover, Calgary Transit will report any instances of misuse or alteration to Mount Royal, which may result in further disciplinary action.

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Why does Mount Royal have a UPass program?

Mount Royal University established its UPass program in response to increasing student demand for more affordable and sustainable transportation options. Following requests from various student groups and in alignment with the adoption of similar programs at other Calgary institutions like the University of Calgary and SAIT, the Students' Association initiated discussions on implementing a UPass program.

Students identified the need for cheaper transportation to and from school, as well as the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable transit choices. In January 2005, the Students' Association conducted a referendum to gauge student support for a mandatory universal transit pass program. Subsequent referendums were held in March 2006 and March 2007, with students consistently voting in favor of implementing the UPass program at Mount Royal.

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What are the benefits of the UPass program?

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The UPass would be more useful to me if there was better bus service. What is Mount Royal doing to improve transit access to campus?

We acknowledge the need for enhanced transit services to make the UPass more beneficial for our community. Mount Royal University and Calgary Transit are actively collaborating to address this concern by advocating for more frequent service, extended transit hours, and additional transit options to better serve the Mount Royal campus.

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I drive to campus every day and pay for parking. Why do I have to pay for the UPass too?

The UPass program was established following democratic processes through student referendums held in 2005, 2006, and 2007, with majority votes in favor of its implementation. This program serves to benefit the entire student community by offering affordable transit options and reducing the demand for parking on campus. As more students opt for transit, it lessens the strain on parking resources, potentially leading to lower parking rates for those who still require parking facilities.

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