UPass FAQ

Eligible students can register for Calgary Transit MyFare app or pick-up their UPass stickers at the ONECard Desk located inside the Cougar Campus Store (H100). Students must present a valid ONECard. If the ONECard is cracked or damaged, or if the photo is no longer visible, it must be replaced prior to receiving a UPass.

Make sure to pick up your UPass before the semester begins. Riding transit without valid proof of payment can result in at least a $250 fine.

Who is eligible to receive the UPass?

All full-time credit students registered during the Fall and/or Winter semesters are eligible for the UPass. Full-time status requires registration in 9 or more credits per semester, through Mount Royal University only. Exclusions include part time and non-credits students, academic upgrading, diploma programs, ESL programs, co-op programs, and continuing education programs.

Students enrolled in full-time certificate programs offered by Continuing Education, such as ESL program, Bridge to Canadian Nursing, are NOT eligible for the UPass program.

If you are unsure of your registration status, you can login to myMRU and check your "Account summary by term". If you have been charged the S/A UPass fee, then you are eligible to receive a UPass for that semester.

Adding or dropping courses can affect your status. If you have made recent registration changes, students are advised to wait 48 hours before collecting their UPass.

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 2023-2024 Academic Year are as follows:

Fall 2023 - $160

Winter 2024 - $165

Winter 2025 - $170

How is the UPass rate determined?

Calgary Transit determines the Upass rate based on the current ridership levels. Current ridership levels are determined based on a variety of research studies and surveys. This ridership is multiplied by the cost of a current monthly bus pass rate and then divided by the total number of participants in the program.

When is the UPass valid?

The UPass program allows full-time students unlimited access to transit in the Fall and Winter semesters only. UPasses are not issued for the Spring or Summer semesters.

The Fall semester UPass is valid from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31.
The Winter semester UPass is valid from Jan. 1 to April 30.

Students are responsible for ensuring they have a valid UPass for travel during these dates.

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

The UPass is valid anywhere the Calgary Transit system operates. This includes travel on the C-Train and bus networks. One of the many benefits of the pass is that it can be used for all your activities - not just traveling to and from Mount Royal. However, Calgary Transit services do NOT include Airdrie ICE or surrounding communities.

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

A lost or stolen UPass can only be replaced at the full cost of the original. If your ONECard is found within 5 business days, you can return the original or replacement card (with UPass sticker intact) for a refund. There will be no refund after the 5 business days deadline.

What if my ONECard or UPass is damaged?

If your ONECard is damaged come to ONECard Desk, located in the Cougars Campus Store (H100). We will take a look at your card and assess the damage, and let you know of any Replacement Fees that may be required. If your card needs to be replaced and UPass sticker with it, we will make the exchange and if the UPass sticker is still legible on the damaged card. Any UPass stickers that are not legible will be subject to full replacement cost.

How do I opt-out of the UPass program?

Only students who belong to one of the 6 eligible groups may apply to opt-out of the program. Students who wish to opt-out of the program and receive a refund of their UPass fee must complete the form available at the ONECard Desk, 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 of this program are:

Sept. 25, 2023 - to opt-out of the Fall UPass; and
Jan. 22, 2024 - to opt-out of the Winter UPass;

Who can opt-out of the UPass?

The UPass is a mandatory fee, passed by students through a referendum in March 2005, 2006 and 2007. According to current standards, there are only six groups of students who may opt-out of the UPass. These students receive a full refund if valid proof is provided:

Students who are physically disabled and who use the Handi-Bus or Access Calgary
Students who are legally blind and receive a CNIB bus pass
Students who are taking a directed field studies course which requires them to move from Calgary to participate in this program
Outbound exchange students who are studying abroad
Senior citizens who have purchased a senior citizens' bus pass
Calgary Transit employees who can ride transit for free as part of 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.

What constitutes proof of my eligibility to opt-out?

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 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.
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.

Can I transfer my UPass to another person?

The UPass is strictly non-transferrable. Any cards believed to be fraudulently used or altered will be immediately confiscated by Transit authorities. Transit authorities can levy a $250 fine against anyone who is believed to have used the UPass inappropriately. In addition, Calgary Transit will report any misused of altered UPasses to Mount Royal, who may choose to take further disciplinary action.

Why does Mount Royal have a UPass program?

Several years ago, the Students' Association was approached by individual student groups asking for the implementation of a UPass program at Mount Royal. These requests reached a peak around the time that the UPass was adopted by other Calgary institutions - the University of Calgary and SAIT - and when the City of Calgary cancelled the post-secondary bus pass.

Students' issues included: cheaper transportation options to and from school, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable transit choices.

In Jan. 2005 the Student's Association asked students to vote on a mandatory universal transit pass program. A referendum was held in March 2005, with students voting in favour of implementing the mandatory UPass program at Mount Royal. Two more referendums were held in March 2006, and March 2007, with students again voting in favour.

What are the benefits of the UPass program?

For students	For the transit system
Creates a cheaper travel option, by potentially reducing travel costs to about $38 per month UPass revenues will pay for improved transit services Makes it easier for occasional users (e.g., students in residence) to run errands or explore the area Offers a safe and reliable travel option for those who consume alcohol	Ridership grows on poor-performing evening and mid-day routes Ridership gains help maximize the use of buses Fewer complaints from public about empty buses Transit unions pleased by additional work Politicians and public see a more important role for transit Students more likely to use transit after they graduate.
For Mount Royal	For Calgary
Reduces pressures on parking facilities Enables use of land for buildings or green space, rather than parking	Supports overall objective to reduce auto travel and air pollution on campus Lower traffic volumes and air emissions Improved transit services benefit other (non-student) users

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?

Mount Royal and Calgary Transit have been working together in an effort to have more frequent service, extended transit hours and additional service options to the Mount Royal campus.

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

Students voted for a mandatory UPass program in 2005, 2006, and 2007 through a referendum. All of these referendums followed democratic processes, allowing all students an opportunity to vote on the program. 67% voted in favor of this mandatory program in 2005, 59% in favor in 2006 and 65% in favor in 2007.

The UPass program also reduces the cost of parking at Mount Royal. With more students choosing to take transit, the demand for parking reduces which allows us to provide lower rates to those who must take a vehicle to campus.

My Fare FAQ

What is My Fare?

What are the requirements for enrollment into the UPass program?

How do I get My Fare?

Do I need to set up an account to be able to use UPass?

How do I use My Fare?

What if I use the wrong email address in setting up myID?

Is My Fare available on all devices?

What if I don’t have a mobile device?/What if my mobile device is not supported by the MyFare app?

Can I use the App if I have been issued a UPass Sticker?

How does the Semester UPass work?

How and when should I activate my mobile ticket?

How do I use the app to show my ticket?

Do I need to scan my ticket or pass each time I travel?

Can I transfer to other routes with a mobile ticket or pass?

Do My Fare tickets or passes expire?

How does the driver/peace officer know that my ticket is valid?

My bus has a ticket onboard validator on it. What do I do?

What do I do if a Transit official asks to see my mobile ticket?

Do I need to scan my ticket or pass each time I travel?

Will my mobile UPass still work if I lose cell phone service?

What if my phone stops working prior to showing my ticket?

What happens if I lose my mobile device or buy a new device?

How do I use the app to show my ticket?

I have my own car and don’t intend to ever use my UPass. Do I still need to get it?

What is My Fare?

My Fare is a mobile ticketing app that allows you to purchase and use fare products such as regular monthly and day passes, airport boarding pass, single ride tickets and UPass directly from your mobile device.

What are the requirements for enrollment into the UPass program?

The requirements are:

Must have a @mtroyal.ca email address;
All eligible students taking 3 courses (minimum of nine credits) in each semester are assessed a fee for the universal bus pass (UPass). Full-time students (registered in at least 60% of a full course load) enrolled in the Massage Therapy Diploma, Certificate, Personal Fitness Trainer Diploma and the LEAP program, will be eligible for the UPass. Students enrolled in Open Studies or Academic Upgrading who are registered in a combination of at least 3 courses will also qualify for the UPass.
and must have a handheld device that supports either Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS).

How do I get My Fare?

The app is free to download from Google Play or the App Store.

Do I need to set up an account to be able to use UPass?

Yes, you need to create an account using your myID account with your @mtroyal.ca email information. If you create an account, you can stay signed in, but you’ll be asked to enter your account information every 30 days.

How do I use My Fare?

After downloading My Fare, create a myID using your @mtroyal.ca email then select the product you wish to use (UPass). The product will be electronically delivered to your My Fare ticket wallet after a 24 – 48 hour delay. The UPass will only be available for your use from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31 (Fall Semester), and Jan. 1 to April 30 (Winter Semester).

What if I use the wrong email address in setting up myID?

You can edit your profile by going into myID account. Once you are signed in myID, go to account –> edit profile –> change your email and then update it.

Is My Fare available on all devices?

My Fare is available on the majority of iOS or Android devices installed with the current or previous major version operating system. The application is not supported in non-Android or non-iOS devices. Older versions of software may not be supported.

What if I don’t have a mobile device?/What if my mobile device is not supported by the MyFare app?

You will need to get a sticker from the Parking and Transportation Services office located in the Campus Store.

Can I use the App if I have been issued a UPass Sticker?

No. If you have been issued a UPass sticker you will not be able to access tickets through the My Fare app. Once a sticker has been issued you will be automatically withdrawn from the My Fare app.

How does the Semester UPass work?

UPass is valid for one Semester (e.g. Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 for the Fall Semester). A Semester UPass must be activated before riding on transit and can be activated on or any time after the 1st of the Semester it is valid for.

How and when should I activate my mobile ticket?

You MUST activate your ticket or pass prior to boarding a Transit vehicle or prior to entering a fare restricted area. Be ready to scan your UPass at the onboard validator when boarding a vehicle or show it to a Calgary Transit official upon request. Please have your ONECard available as a verification tool. Your UPass can be found in your Ticket Wallet on the main screen of the My Fare application.

How do I use the app to show my ticket?

A valid UPass on My Fare displays a barcode and a moving visual ticket. On a bus, you will scan the barcode on the lower screen of the onboard validator. If asked, you can show the ticket to a Calgary Transit bus driver or peace officer for visual validation. While CTrains don’t have onboard validators, you can use the app to ride the CTrain.

Do I need to scan my ticket or pass each time I travel?

Yes, a valid UPass must be activated for each trip.

Can I transfer to other routes with a mobile ticket or pass?

Yes. You can use the same UPass to transfer to other fixed routes

Do My Fare tickets or passes expire?

UPass is only valid for one semester at a time, based on your enrollment status
Unused passes past their validity period will appear as EXPIRED and will no longer be accepted for travel nor will they be valid for refund.

How does the driver/peace officer know that my ticket is valid?

Mobile passes are validated through the fixed on-board validators on vehicles.
They can also be validated by using visual inspection.
Hand-held inspection devices may be used by Peace Officers to digitally scan a ticket using the barcode functionality.
Carry your MRU issued ONECard with you for additional verification if needed.

My bus has a ticket onboard validator on it. What do I do?

Please tap the bar code on the lower screen of the onboard validator. An audible beep and a colored screen will identify the UPass as valid for use.

What do I do if a Transit official asks to see my mobile ticket?

Each UPass includes a visual validation bar as well as a unique barcode that will occasionally be scanned by Transit officials as part of an inspection process. Please present your mobile UPass for inspection, if requested.

Will my mobile UPass still work if I lose cell phone service?

A Mobile UPass does not need cell phone or wifi services to activate and display a ticket. You do need connectivity, however, to download the UPass, which must be done prior to boarding. If you lose cell phone service after activating and boarding the vehicle you will be able to activate and display the UPass from the ticket wallet.

What if my phone stops working prior to showing my ticket?

You are responsible for having a mobile phone in good working order and usable prior to boarding and through the duration of your trip. If your mobile phone is inoperable, it is expected that you would use some other payment method for your trip.

What happens if I lose my mobile device or buy a new device?

If you lose your device or purchase a new one, you can transfer any valid, non-expired UPass to a new device. To do so, login to your account from your new device and your active UPass will be displayed. Please note that passes on your old device will become invalid. My Fare users are allowed three device switches over a six-month period. Please note that pass transfer is not possible if you do not have a City of Calgary MyID account.

How is my personal information protected?

Both the University and the City fall under the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act, which governs how identifiable personal information must be collected, used, disclosed and protected. The Act also requires that both organizations implement reasonable security measures against such risks as the unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure or destruction of personal information collected to administer the UPass program.

Is there any way that I can give or sell my UPass to someone else?

No. The pass is strictly non-transferable.

Is the electronic UPass Valid for the full year?

No. Because student status can change from term to term, the UPass will be issued each semester: Fall (Sept. - Dec.), Winter (Jan. – April).

I have my own car and don’t intend to ever use my UPass. Do I still need to get it?

No, but it will still be reflected in your student fees.

How do I contact My Fare?

403.268.1969 or email at MyFare@calgary.ca

How do I contact UPass?

403.440.7711 or email at: ONECard@mtroyal.ca

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