2012 - 2013 U-Pass

Valid from September 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013

Carleton University 2012-2013 U-Pass	University of Ottawa 2012-2013 U-Pass
Saint Paul University 2012-2013 U-Pass

• For full-time students (including graduate students) at Carleton University, the University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University
• NEW - No age restriction
• NEW - Opt-out if you live outside OC Transpo’s service area while attending school
• Valid as full fare on OC Transpo regular and express routes, and the O-Train.
• Valid on Para Transpo, but not in rural areas.
• Valid on STO service with a top-up on express and interzone routes. If you board an STO route outside Gatineau's downtown core before 9 a.m., you must also have an STO - OC Transpo Rider card (smart card). 
• Cost is included in your incidental student fees -  $180 per term
• Students who reside in the Outaouais in the area served by STO, please contact your student association to ensure you do not get charged for the U-Pass. Also, if this applies to you, please see the STO FAQ on U-Pass:  www.sto.ca

IMPORTANT: Record the last 6 digits of your U-Pass ID card number onto your bus pass to make it valid 

Opt-Out Process

Students living outside of the City of Ottawa, as well as at many of the rural villages and communities inside City borders, may opt-out of the U-Pass program and receive a $360 refund. This includes communities such as Almonte, Carleton Place, Dunrobin, Carp, Osgoode, Russell, Metcalfe, Embrun, Rockland. Also, Para Transpo users may opt-out if they live in the Para Transpo rural zone.

» Carleton University Opt-Out Information

» University of Ottawa Opt-Out Information

» Saint Paul University Opt-Out Information

Distribution

Carleton University: 
Between August 27 and September 14 the U-Pass can be picked up at Porter Hall located on the second floor of the University Centre.  After September 14, the U-Pass can be picked up from the Campus Card Office ocated at 407 University Centre. For hours and operations, please visit carleton.ca.

University of Ottawa: 
Distribution will begin in late August and continue through early September in the University Centre’s couch lounge.

St Paul University:
Distribution of cards will be on weekdays between January 3 and January 18 in Guiges Hall - room 167.

uOttawa FAQ

• What is the Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) and how much does it cost?
• Is the U-Pass available for the 2012-2013 school year?
• Why does the University of Ottawa have a U-Pass?
• Who is entitled to a U-Pass?
• How does the U-Pass benefit students?
• Where and when can I get my Universal Transit Pass?
• I do not want to participate in the U-Pass program. What should I do?
• Are there some situations where certain students will be exempt from the U-Pass program?
• Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?
• Do I have to pay the U-Pass fee if I live outside Ottawa and drive to campus, or if I take a bus that begins its route outside Ottawa and it is not an OC Transpo bus or STO Bus?
• Is my U-Pass valid on Para Transpo?
• Will I be able to claim the federal tax credit for public transportation?

What is the Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) and how much does it cost?

Last year, student associations at both Carleton University and the University of Ottawa worked with OC Transpo to develop a Universal Transit Pass for full-time students at both universities.  The result of the discussions and the subsequent student referenda is the U-Pass: A bus pass offered through Carleton University and the University of Ottawa at a discounted rate. The pass will cost $290 for the eight-month school year and is a mandatory cost for most full-time students.  The pass is valid on all OC Transpo vehicles providing regular, express, rural express or Para Transpo services, and the O-Train. Only Para Transpo service to rural zones requires a supplemental fare.

Is the U-Pass available for the 2012-2013 school year?

Yes. Eligible full-time students the University of Ottawa will receive a new U-Pass in September for the 2012-13 school year. There is no age restriction on the U-Pass.

Why does the University of Ottawa have a U-Pass?

In February and March 2010, the University of Ottawa's Student Federation and Graduate Student Association sponsored referenda during their annual elections asking students if they would support paying $290 per academic year ($145 per term) for the U-Pass.  In the elections, the majority of students voted for the Pass.

Who is entitled to a U-Pass?

The U-Pass is now a mandatory program for most full-time students with a small number of exceptions.

How does the U-Pass benefit students?

The U-Pass benefits students because it offers a significant discount on transit services in Ottawa. Normally, students who ride OC Transpo that buy regular monthly (student) bus passes for a school year, or eight months, pay $586, or if they buy two regular semester passes they pay $500. The U-Pass is $290 for the eight-month school year (Sept. 1 through April 30) . This is a savings of $210 compared to semester passes, and $296 compared to monthly passes.

The U-Pass also helps reduce road congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and results in a more sustainable community. For students that frequently drive or travel by another mode, the U-Pass provides an alternative mode of travel if your vehicle breaks down. Students that drive could also use one of the many free Park and Ride lots, conveniently located throughout Ottawa. Finally, students that cycle could travel on OC Transpo by boarding an OC Transpo bus equipped with a bike rack, or the O-Train, and this can help reduce your travel time.

Where and when can I get my Universal Transit Pass?

For students enrolled in full-time courses in the fall term, distribution of the U-Pass will be communicated to students by the University of Ottawa and Student Federation.

I do not want to participate in the U-Pass program. What should I do?

Based on the student referenda, the U-Pass is a mandatory program and all full-time students must participate.  There are a few exceptions.

Are there some situations where certain students will be exempt from the U-Pass program?

The following groups of students can seek adjustments for the U-Pass:

• A student that is registered with the Canadian Institute for the Blind;
• A student that holds a valid U-Pass issued by another post-secondary educational institution located within the City of Ottawa.
• A student that, according to the Educational Institution's records, is studying outside Canada for more than 60 days during the semester for which the U-Pass is intended to be valid;
• A student that is attending the University of Ottawa at a campus located outside the City of Ottawa according to the University of Ottawa's records;
• Students who reside in the STO service area (Gatineau, Cantley, Chelsea) are exempt from participating in the U-Pass program. Please contact your student association to ensure you do not get charged for the U-Pass. Also, if this applies to you, please see the STO FAQ on U-Pass:  www.sto.ca

NOTE: University of Ottawa Students who want to discuss exemptions must contact the Student Federation by phone at 613-562-5966 or by e-mail at u-pass@sfuo.ca.

Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?

No. Only students with full-time status are eligible for the U-Pass program.

Do I have to pay the U-Pass fee if I live outside Ottawa and drive to campus, or if I take a bus that begins its route outside Ottawa and it is not an OC Transpo bus or STO Bus?

Full-time students that reside in Ontario and outside the City of Ottawa have to pay the mandatory U-Pass fee of $290, including those students that drive their car. Students that choose to ride a bus that begins its route outside the City of Ottawa (for example Route 530 in Rockland) have to pay the mandatory U-Pass fee, and in addition, if they choose to ride a bus route that begins its route outside the City of Ottawa they will have to pay the appropriate fare to ride that bus. Students living outside the City of Ottawa can use one of the many free Park and Ride lots conveniently located throughout the City of Ottawa.

Is my U-Pass valid on Para Transpo?

The U-Pass is valid on Para Transpo. Para Transpo service to rural zones requires a supplemental fare.

Will I be able to claim the federal tax credit for public transportation?

Yes.  You will be able to claim $145 in each of the two tax years. You can download a receipt to support your U-Pass transit pass taxable deduction via your uoZone student account. If you have any questions about your U-Pass receipt, please contact the Student Federation by phone at 613-562-5966 or by e-mail at u-pass@sfuo.ca.

Carleton U FAQ

• What is the Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) and how much does it cost?
• Is the U-Pass available for the 2012-2013 school year?
• Why does Carleton University have a U-Pass?
• Who is entitled to a U-Pass?
• How does the U-Pass benefit students?
• Where and when can I get my Universal Transit Pass?
• I do not want to participate in the U-Pass program. What should I do?
• Are there some situations where certain students will be exempt from the U-Pass program?
• Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?
• Do I have to pay the U-Pass fee if I live outside Ottawa and drive to campus, or if I take a bus that begins its route outside Ottawa and it is not an OC Transpo bus or STO Bus?
• Is my U-Pass valid on Para Transpo?
• Will I be able to claim the federal tax credit for public transportation?

What is the Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) and how much does it cost?

In 2009, student associations at both Carleton University and the University of Ottawa jointly negotiated with the City of Ottawa to implement a Universal Transit Pass for full-time students at both universities.  The result of the negotiations and the subsequent student referenda is the U-Pass: A bus pass offered through Carleton University at a discounted rate. The pass will cost $290 for the eight-month school year and is a mandatory cost for all full-time students.  The pass is valid on all OC Transpo vehicles providing regular, express, rural express or Para Transpo services, and the O-Train. Only Para Transpo service to rural zones requires a supplemental fare.

Is the U-Pass available for the 2012-2013 school year?

Yes. Eligible full-time students the Carleton University will receive a new U-Pass in September for the 2012-13 school year. There is no age restriction on the U-Pass.

Why does Carleton University have a U-Pass?

In February and March 2010, the Carleton University Students' Association and Carleton's Graduate Student Association sponsored referenda during their annual elections asking students if they would support paying $290 per academic year ($145 per term) for the U-Pass.  In both elections, just over 70 per cent of students voted for the U-Pass.  At the request of CUSA, GSA and OC Transpo, Carleton has worked to implement the U-Pass so it can be distributed to students for the 2010 fall term.

Who is entitled to a U-Pass?

The U-Pass is now a mandatory program for all full-time students with a small number of exceptions (see below). At Carleton, a full-time undergraduate student is defined as a person taking at least 1.5 credits per term, while a graduate student's eligibility is defined by their full-time status in a program.

How does the U-Pass benefit students?

The U-Pass benefits students because it offers a significant discount on transit services in Ottawa. Normally, students who ride OC Transpo that buy regular monthly (student) bus passes for a school year, or eight months, pay $586, or if they buy two regular semester passes they pay $500. The U-Pass is $290 for the eight-month school year (Sept. 1 through April 30) . This is a savings of $210 compared to semester passes, and $296 compared to monthly passes.

The U-Pass also helps reduce road congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and results in a more sustainable community. For students that frequently drive or travel by another mode, the U-Pass provides an alternative mode of travel if your vehicle breaks down. Students that drive could also use one of the many free Park and Ride lots, conveniently located throughout Ottawa. Finally, students that cycle could travel on OC Transpo by boarding an OC Transpo bus equipped with a bike rack, or the O-Train, and this can help reduce your travel time.

Where and when can I get my Universal Transit Pass?

For students enrolled in full-time courses in the fall term, distribution of the U-Pass will be communicated to students by Carleton University and the Students' Association.

I do not want to participate in the U-Pass program. What should I do?

Based on the CUSA and GSA referenda, the U-Pass is a mandatory program and all full-time students must participate.  There are a few exceptions (see below).

Are there some situations that allow an adjustment for the U-Pass (or an exemption from the program) while I am a full-time student?

The following groups of students can seek adjustments for the U-Pass:

• Students who have designation with the Canadian Institute for the Blind. (They already receive free transit passes).
• Students who are going on an international exchange that is formally sanctioned by Carleton University for the terms they are out of the country. They must be away for 60 days or more.
• Students who reside in the STO service area (Gatineau, Cantley, Chelsea) are exempt from participating in the U-Pass program. (Driver's licence or health card and a utilities or phone bill will be required for proof of residence). Please contact your student association to ensure you do not get charged for the U-Pass. Also, if this applies to you, please see the STO FAQ on U-Pass:  www.sto.ca
• Students who are on an internship or conducting research as a part of their studies outside of Ottawa for a period of 60 days.

Fee adjustments can be obtained by completing an online U-Pass Exemption Application form on Carleton's U-Pass website www.carleton.ca/upass and submitting it to Carleton's Office of Student Affairs . The forms can also be obtained from Campus Card/Info Carleton , The Office of Student Affairs, the Business Office, the CUSA office , and the GSA office. Please allow five business days for processing.

NOTE: Carleton University Students who want to discuss exemptions must contact the Students’ Association by phone at 613-520-7400 or by e-mail at upass@carleton.ca.

Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?

No. Only students with full-time status are eligible for the U-Pass program.

Do I have to pay the U-Pass fee if I live outside Ottawa and drive to campus, or if I take a bus that begins its route outside Ottawa and it is not an OC Transpo bus or STO Bus?

Full-time students that reside in Ontario and outside the City of Ottawa have to pay the mandatory U-Pass fee of $290, including those students that drive their car. Students that choose to ride a bus that begins its route outside the City of Ottawa (for example Route 530 in Rockland) have to pay the mandatory U-Pass fee, and in addition, if they choose to ride a bus route that begins its route outside the City of Ottawa they will have to pay the appropriate fare to ride that bus. Students living outside the City of Ottawa can use one of the many free Park and Ride lots conveniently located throughout the City of Ottawa.

Is my U-Pass valid on Para Transpo?

The U-Pass is valid on Para Transpo. Para Transpo service to rural zones requires a supplemental fare.

Will I be able to claim the federal tax credit for public transportation?

Yes.  You will be able to claim $145 in each of the two tax years.  Any student charged the U-Pass fee will be able to download a receipt from their Carleton Connect account. For the 2011 tax year, receipts will be available on or before February 28, 2012. If you have any questions about your U-Pass receipt, please contact the Students' Association by phone at 613-520-7400 or by e-mail at upass@carleton.ca

St Paul U FAQ

• What is the OC Transpo Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass)?
• How does the U-Pass benefit students?
• Has the U-Pass been successful at other schools?
• How can Saint Paul University students enjoy the benefits of the U-Pass?
• Who will be able to get a U-Pass?
• Are there some situations where certain students will be exempt from the U-Pass program?
• Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?

What is the OC Transpo Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass)?

The OC Transpo Universal Transit Pass, or U-Pass, is an initiative which provides students with an affordable and convenient transit pass at a significantly reduced price which can be used as full fare for all OC Transpo services including regular, express, and the O-Train, or Para Transpo service (with the exception of rural zone fares),

How does the U-Pass benefit students?

By sharing the cost among full-time students, the U-Pass is able to offer a significant discount on transit services in Ottawa. Normally, students aged 20 or over, who ride OC Transpo that buy monthly adult bus passes for a school year, or eight months, pay $770 (Express $952) (July 1, 2012, rates). Students aged 19 and under that buy monthly student bus passes for a school year, or eight months, pay $614 (Express $722) (July 1, 2012, rates).

The U-Pass for the 2012 - 2013 school year is $360 (or $180 per term)for the eight-month school year (Sept. 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013). For students aged 20 or over, this is a savings of over $400 each school year or almost $600 for express pass users. The U-Pass rate would increase on average 2.5% per year.

The U-Pass also helps reduce road congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and results in a more sustainable community. Students that drive can use one of the many free Park and Ride lots, conveniently located throughout Ottawa. Finally, students that cycle can travel on OC Transpo by boarding an OC Transpo bus equipped with a bike rack, or the O-Train, and this can help reduce your travel time.

Has the U-Pass been successful at other schools?

The U-Pass program has been in place at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University for two full school years. Earlier this year, both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University Graduate and Undergraduate student associations held referendums, reaffirming their support for the U-Pass program. With the support of both student associations, the U-Pass will continue for over 50,000 full-time Carleton University and University of Ottawa students, making it one of the largest programs of its kind in the country.

As transit use is very high amongst Ottawa students attending university, many students benefit from the reduced price and continue to embrace public transit as a practical option to travel throughout the City.

Survey results conducted in 2011 indicated that, overall, University of Ottawa and Carleton University student U-Pass holders have increased their transit modal choice by about 17.5%, so that 63.7% of all trips are now made using transit.

How can Saint Paul University students enjoy the benefits of the U-Pass?

The opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the U-Pass is in the hands of the students of Saint Paul University. Later this year, students will be given choice of joining the U-Pass initiative by voting in a referendum held by their student association.

The results of the student association's referendum will decide the participation of Saint Paul University in the U-Pass program.

Who will be able to get a U-Pass?

The U-Pass is a mandatory program for full-time students residing in Ontario, with a small number of exceptions.

By sharing the cost among full-time students, OC Transpo is able to maintain revenue neutrality and offer the significant discount available through the U-Pass.

Are there some situations where certain students will be exempt from the U-Pass program?

Yes. The following groups of students can seek an exemption from the U-Pass:

• Students that are registered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind;
• Students that hold a valid U-Pass issued by another post-secondary educational institution located within the City of Ottawa.
• Students that, according to the Educational Institution's records, is studying outside Canada for more than 60 days during the semester for which the U-Pass is intended to be valid;
• Students who resides completely outside of the OC Transpo service area (Rural Area B or beyond) will be able to "opt-out" of the program, if they do not use the Park and Ride.
• Students who reside in the STO service area (Gatineau, Cantley, Chelsea) are not eligible to participate in the OC Transpo U-Pass program.

Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?

No. Only students with full-time status are eligible for the U-Pass program.

More info

Carleton University Students:

If you have a question that is not covered in the FAQ, please visit the Carleton University website at www2.carleton.ca/upass or contact Information Carleton at 613-520-7400; email  upass@carleton.ca or by online chat.

NOTE: Carleton University Students who want to discuss exemptions must contact the Students’ Association by phone at 613-520-7400 or by e-mail at upass@carleton.ca.

uOttawa Students:

If you have a question that is not covered in the FAQ, please get in touch with your local students’ union:

• Undergraduates: Contact the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa by telephone (613-562-5966) or e-mail (u-pass@sfuo.ca ), or visit their website at www.sfuo.ca.
• Graduates: Contact the Graduate Students' Association of the University of Ottawa by telephone (613-562-5935), by e-mail (u-pass@sfuo.ca ), or visit their website at www.gsaed.ca.

NOTE: University of Ottawa Students who want to discuss exemptions must contact the Student Federation by phone at 613-562-5966 or by e-mail at u-pass@sfuo.ca .

Saint Paul Univesity Students:

If you have a question that is not covered in the FAQ, please get in touch with your local students’ union at upass@ustpaul.ca

NOTE: University of Ottawa Students who want to discuss exemptions must contact the Student Federation by telephone (613- 782-3008) or e-mail  (upass@ustpaul.ca).