Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass)

Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 U-Pass Program
The U-Pass program has been suspended for the Fall and Winter sessions. 

Fall and Winter U-Pass Program Update

The City and regional U-Pass transit partners have been working collaboratively with the participating U-Pass Students’ Associations since the end of June. Due to the majority of classes being offered online, all 11 parties agreed that Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 U-Passes will not be issued. 

COVID-19 has presented unique financial challenges and the suspension of the Fall and Winter U-Pass is a temporary adjustment due to the pandemic. 

In order to provide students with discounted transit fare options, ETS made recommendations to Edmonton City Council. Council approved the following:

Temporary expansion of the age eligibility for the Youth Fare category

• From September 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021 to include ALL post-secondary students, no matter their age, at U-pass institutions and institutions that were eligible for the post-secondary pass. A Youth monthly pass costs $72.50. Students who occasionally use transit may purchase a Book of 10 Youth tickets for $19.75 ($8 discount from adult price).

Temporary expansion of eligibility to the low income Ride Transit Program 

• From September 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021 to include ALL post-secondary students, who meet the Ride Transit Program eligibility.
• If you’re a post-secondary student, and have already been accepted into the Ride Transit Program, your acceptance is valid until August 15, 2021. 
• This program has two tiers (a sliding scale) and is based on an individual’s personal income. Personal income can be proven through a Notice of Assessment (NOA), Employment Insurance (EI) document or CERB document. 
• Students will need to apply through the Leisure Access Program.
• If a student is 18+, and earns less than $29,069, they may qualify for a $34 per month pass. 
• If a student is 18+, and earns between $29,070 and $33,033, they may qualify for a $48.50 per month pass. 
• International students are also eligible to apply for the Ride Transit Program.
• If a student is under 18, there is a process to apply for the program which involves filling out a Release of Information and Responsibility Form. This release, accompanied by approved income documentation, will allow these students to apply for Ride Transit.

Note: For context, in the past, a U-Pass costs approximately $45 per month.

Note: Students who are considered a dependent (that is, their parents/guardians claim them on their taxes as a dependent) would have to include their parents/guardians income on their application, so they may not qualify for the Ride Transit Program. 

Regional fare transit options for students:

• For students who reside outside of Edmonton, most municipal U-Pass transit partners offer discounted commuter passes and tickets

Note: On August 31, 2020, the Post Secondary Pass was discontinued.