FAQ: University of Ottawa Students
What’s happening with next year’s U-Pass?
The student federation at the University of Ottawa will hold a referendum in mid-February, putting the U-Pass to the vote.
Students will be asked whether or not they want to continue for the next three years with a U-Pass priced at $180 per term, plus up to a 2. 5% inflationary cost in the second and third years.
Without a successful referendum result, the U-Pass will not be available after April 2012, and the cheapest alternative for student riders will be OC Transpo’s student monthly pass, currently priced at $75 each month - or $300 per term if four months are required. Express passes cost more, at $88 per month. Infrequent riders can use tickets, priced at $2.60 per trip on the bus, or $2.85 on the O-Train.
The uOttawa undergraduate referendum is held on February 14, 15 and 16. For more information check the SFUO Elections 2012 website (uOttawa).
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 2011-2012 school year?
Yes. The 2011-2012 U-Pass is effective from September 1, 2011 - April 30, 2012.
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.
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 .
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 .
Express homebound/outbound
Regular fare on Express routes, at selected bus stops
TransPLAN
OC Transpo’s route planning and consultation program, where riders have a chance to provide ideas and input.
Rider Respect
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