MENU
WHO'S ELIGIBLE?
The UPass is available to students enrolled in 60% of a full-time course load (3 classes or 9 credits) in an eligible program.
Not sure if you qualify? Check the Program Regulations below for details.
GET THE DIGITAL UPASS ON YOUR PHONE
Choose either app - both work the same way and give you unlimited Calgary Transit access.
Setup (works for either app)
- Download your chosen app
- Open the app and find the sign-in area:
- MyFare app: Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top right, then tap Profile
- Transit app: Tap the round Profile button at the top left, then scroll down to Transit Account
- Look for "Sign in with Social Media" and tap the red Google button (do not fill out the form above it)
- Sign in with your @mtroyal.ca email address
- Wait for verification—Calgary Transit checks enrollment:
- Daily (weekdays) until the second week of semester
- Every Wednesday after that
- Once verified, your UPass will appear in the app. Tap the pass to activate it. On your first trip, validate it once by scanning at a CTrain validator or on a bus.
MyFare App
Transit App
GET A PHYSICAL UPASS STICKER
Prefer a physical sticker? Bring your ONECard to the ONECard Desk.
What you need to know:
- Stickers are valid for the full semester (Sept 1–Dec 31 or Jan 1–Apr 30)
- Your first sticker is free
- Replacement cost: $175 (one replacement allowed per semester)
- Choosing a sticker deactivates the digital apps and you can't switch back until next semester
USING YOUR UPASS
Digital UPass:
- First time using your UPass? Activate it in the app and validate it once by scanning at a CTrain validator or on a bus.
- On the bus: Open your app and scan your activated pass when boarding
- On the CTrain: Your pass is valid once you've done the one-time validation. Show your activated pass to Peace Officers if requested
- Read more about Fare Validation at Calgary Transit.
Physical Sticker:
- Simply show your ONECard with the UPass sticker to drivers or Peace Officers
You must also carry photo ID (your ONECard works for this).
Enrollment in the UPass program is available to full-time students, defined as those who are enrolled in a minimum of nine credits or at least 60% of a full course load, as determined by the Institution. Exceptions may apply to non-credit full-time status students, provided their enrolled program is officially recognized by the Government of Alberta and sanctioned by the Institution through mutual agreement.
Eligible programs include:
- Full-time students (registered in a minimum of nine credits or at least 60% of a full course load) enrolled in any of the following Undergraduate programs: Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates, including the Massage Therapy Diploma, Certificate, Personal Fitness Trainer Diploma and the LEAP program
- Langauge Education for Academic Purposes program
- Students in Open Studies or Academic Upgrading in at least 3 courses
Usage:
- The UPass is not transferable, cannot be sold or loaned, and is for the exclusive use of the purchasing student.
- UPass privileges may be revoked by Calgary Transit if it is misused or presented for transportation by any person other than the person to whom it is issued
- Calgary Transit maintains the rights to inspect the UPass used by a student and to ask the student for another form of identification, to ensure that the UPass is being used by the person to whom it is issued.
- Calgary Transit maintains the right to deny a student access to the Calgary Transit system, and impose fines in accordance with The City by-laws, if the student does not possess a valid UPass or other valid pass or ticket.
<ul>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Fall semester: Sept 1–Dec 31 | Winter semester: Jan 1–Apr 30</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Fee: $175 per semester (included in tuition for eligible students)</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Replacement fee: $170 (limit one per semester)</li>
</ul>
<h3>UPass Program Terms and Conditions (2025-2026 Academic Year)</h3>
<ul>
<li><span><strong>Semester Coverage:</strong> The UPass stickers grant access to any Calgary Transit system routes from September 1 to December 31 (Fall semeseter) and January 1 to April 30 (Witner semester) respectively. Students can utilize the Calgary Transit system routes as frequently as they desire during this period</span></li>
<li><span><strong>Fees:</strong> A $175 (per semester) UPass program fee will be charged as part of the student's tuition for eligible students.</span></li>
<li><span><strong>Non-Transferable:</strong> The UPass stickers are strictly non-transferable, and that users may be subject to a fine if the sticker is intentionally tampered with.</span></li>
<li><span><strong>Replacement:</strong> For lost or stolen UPass stickers, students are subject to a $175 replacement fee, limited to one replacement per semester (unless authorized by the ONECard Coordinator).</span></li>
<li><span><strong>UPass Presentation:</strong> Students must present the UPass sticker or the MyFare app, along with photo identification (such as ONECards and/or Drivers' licenses), to any Calgary Transit Enforcement Official requesting Proof of Payment when accessing the Calgary Transit system.</span></li>
<li><span><strong>Revokation of UPass:</strong> Calgary Transit Enforcement Officers reserve the rights to revoke and suspend any UPass stickers/privileges if they are deemed for misused at any time.</span></li>
<li><span><strong>Access to Service:</strong> Calgary Transit also maintains the rights to deny a student access to the Calgary Transit system if the student does not possess a valid UPass sticker or the MyFare app</span></li>
</ul>
REQUESTING TO OPT OUT OF THE UPASS
| Opt-out group | Proof of eligibility |
| Students unable to use Calgary Transit (regular or specialized services) and have been found ineligible for Calgary Transit Access (CTA). | Written confirmation of ineligibility from Calgary Transit Access. |
| Students not required to attend campus for this term (e.g., fully online program, international exchange, or off-site field placement). | Class schedule, program enrollment confirmation and proof of address if on field placement. |
| Students who are legally blind and have a permanent identification card issued by the CNIB which authorizes use of public transportation. | CNIB-issued identification card. |
| Students currently an employee of Calgary Transit. | Calgary Transit employee identification. |
The deadline for submitting an Opt-Out form and proof of eligibility for Winter 2026 is Monday, January 19, 2026 at 4:30pm.
Download the UPass Opt-Out Form here.
All UPass Opt-Out Requests must be sent to UPassOptOut@mtroyal.ca by the deadline.
Please ensure that you are eligible to opt-out of the UPass program prior to submitting a form. Only requests that fall within these exemption categories will be approved. Eligible students must submit separate opt-out requests for different semesters.
**Important Notice**
According to 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.