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UPass (updated May 31, 2024)

UPass

Program Overview

The UPass program provides access to Calgary Transit services through digital passes available on Transit, Calgary Transit's Trip Planning app, and MyFare.

  • Digital UPass Availability: The UPass is accessible through the Calgary Transit My Fare app or on Transit, Calgary Transit's trip planning app.
  • Connection to MyID Account: Your UPass is linked to your City of Calgary MyID account. You can log into either My Fare or the Transit app using your MyID credentials, but you must choose one app to use.
  • Switching Apps: You have a limited number of device transfers, so choose your preferred app wisely.
  • Features of the Transit App: The Transit app allows you to plan trips directly, integrate with other travel modes, and is available on Google Play and the Apple Store.

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Obtaining the UPass in the MyFare App

  • Download My Fare App: Get the My Fare app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
  • Set Up MyID Account: Create a MyID account within the My Fare app using your @mtroyal.ca email address.
  • Verification: Verify your MyID account via email, which may take up to 24-48 hours.
  • Activation: Once verified, your UPass will appear in your Ticket Wallet within the app.

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Using Your UPass (MyFare App)

  • Activation: Select your UPass in the Ticket Wallet and tap "Activate."
  • On Bus: Scan your activated UPass onboard.
  • On CTrain: Show your activated UPass to Peace Officers if requested.

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Obtaining a UPass Sticker

  • Sticker Request: If you prefer a physical sticker, visit the ONECard Desk.
  • Approval Process: The first sticker is free, but replacements incur a $170 fee.
  • App Deactivation: Requesting a sticker deactivates the My Fare app and prevents you from signing up for it until the next semester.

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UPass & My Fare FAQs

If you have more questions about the UPass program or the My Fare app, please check out the UPass & My Fare FAQ or send the ONECard desk an email at ONECard@mtroyal.ca.

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UPass Program Regulations

The UPass is a special validation sticker affixed to your existing Mount Royal University ONECard or accessible through the Calgary Transit MyFare or Transit apps. It provides comprehensive access to all available transit services throughout the semester. To qualify for the UPass program, you must be currently enrolled as a full-time student, with a minimum registration of 9 or more credits at MRU.

Eligibility: 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.

UPass Program Terms and Conditions (2024-2025 Academic Year)

  • Semester Coverage: 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
  • Fees: A $ 170 (per semester) UPass program fee will be charged as part of the student's tuition for eligible students.
  • Non-Transferable: The UPass stickers are strictly non-transferable, and that users may be subject to a  fine if the sticker is intentionally tampered with.
  • Replacement: For lost or stolen UPass stickers, students are subject to a $ 170 replacement fee, limited to one replacement per semester (unless authorized by the ONECard Coordinator).
  • UPass Presentation: 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.
  • Revokation of UPass: Calgary Transit Enforcement Officers reserve the rights to revoke and suspend any UPass stickers/privileges if they are deemed for misused at any time.
  • Access to Service: 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

UPass Opt-out (For Special Circumstances)

  • Eligibility: Students may opt out under specific circumstances, with proof of eligibility required. Please ensure that your request falls within one of the exemption categories below. Ineligible requests will not be approved.
  • Deadline: Opt-out requests for Winter 2025 by Monday, January 20, 2025. Opt-out requests received after the deadline will not be considered.
  • Submission: Download the UPass Opt-Out Form here. Send opt-out requests to UPassOptOut@mtroyal.ca.

 

Opt-out group Proof of eligibility
Students who are physically disabled and who use the Handi-Bus or Access Calgary.* Must demonstrate use of Handi-Bus transit or Access Calgary systems.
Students who are blind and receive a CNIB bus pass. CNIB-issued identification card which notes access to the public transit system.
Students who cannot use either of Calgary Transit regular services or the specialised service due to disability. Must demonstrate need through medical reason and appeal. Decision is at the discretion of the ONECard Coordinator.
Students who are taking a directed field studies course which requires them to move from Calgary to participate in this program Must demonstrate residency outside Calgary and proof of enrollment in the Directed Field Studies course in the current semester.
Students who are studying abroad in an international exchange program. Proof will be provided by the Coordinator of International Projects, International Education.*
Students registered in a distance learning program and not attending classes on campus during the term. Proof is obtained with the student schedule of classes for the requesting semester.
Senior citizens who have purchased a senior citizens' transit pass. Senior citizens' transit pass issued by Calgary Transit.
Students who are currently employees of Calgary Transit and as part of their Collective Bargaining Agreement, can ride transit for free. Current proof of employment at Calgary Transit.

 *Students who use Handi-Bus or Access Calgary are required to show either a monthly pass or a UPass. If a student opts out of the UPass, they must provide an alternative valid pass to access these services.

The deadline for submitting an Opt-Out form and proof of eligibility for Winter 2025 is Monday, January 20, 2025 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.