U-Pass

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What is the U-Pass Program?

The U-Pass is a Universal Transit Pass for full-time students. In December 2012, students of Saint Paul University voted in favour of joining this mandatory program in a referendum. Another referendum was conducted in March 2015 confirming the current use of a U-Pass and including the summer months. The cost for the program during the 2025-2026 academic year including the summer 2026 term will be $234.80 per semester for full-time students.

Eligible Students

All full-time students registered in at least one course given in class or hybrid method will be automatically charged for the program.

STO Service Area: Important changes

In the summer of 2015, STO (Société du Transport de l’Outaouais) and OC Transpo reached an agreement to expand the service to Quebec residents. Students living in the Gatineau STO service area are now eligible for the U-Pass Program. This change to the U-Pass was agreed to and supported by the Saint Paul University Student Association (SPUSA) and Saint Paul University when discussing the renewal of the U-Pass agreement with OC Transpo.

To learn more, visit the OC Transpo website.

Distribution and replacement

U-Pass Distribution Centre

Where?   Guigues Hall – Room 165.

What do I need to bring with me?

  • Your student card, OR
  • A piece of government-issued photo ID and your student number

Hours of Operation:

By appointment only.

Lost U-Pass

  1. Check at the Saint Paul University Main Reception desk Lost and Found to see if your card has been found and turned in.
  2. Contact the OC Transpo Lost and Found to see if your card has been found and turned in.
  3. If your card was not found in the above two locations, come to the Student Association Office (GIG 38). It is possible that someone turned it in there.

If your card is not found, there is a $25 fee for the first replacement. Any subsequent replacements will be full price.

Stolen U-Pass

If your U-Pass card was stolen, it can be replaced free of charge with a police report number.

Damaged U-Pass

If your U-Pass card is damaged, it is very important that you replace it. This can be done free of charge, upon presentation of the damaged card at the Registrar’s Office (GIG 165).

Activating your U-Pass

ACTIVATING YOUR U-PASS

Don’t throw away your U-Pass! If you have already received your blue smart card and are eligible for the U-Pass program, you’ll see the U-Pass fee included in your tuition for the semester, and your card will be automatically activated when you tap it against an OC Transpo reader for a few seconds. The reader will briefly display a green screen to indicate that you have access. If you see a red screen, note the message and check your tuition fees for a U-Pass fee.

If your card isn’t working properly, do not ride without paying the fare, keep your proof of payment and stop by the Multiservices Centre in room GIG-020 for assistance.

Exemption

EXEMPTION DEADLINE:

Fall Term: September 30
Winter term : January 31
Spring/Summer term : May 31

All full-time students registered at Saint Paul University, both undergraduate and graduate, will be automatically charged for the program. However, some students may qualify for an exemption. Please note that exemptions from previous years do not carry over.

Possible exemptions:

“I reside outside the OC Transpo or the STO area of service for the duration of the school year.”

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION:

  • A current utility bill with your name, your address and the date AND
  • A current rental agreement or lease OR
  • A driver’s licence

“I am participating in an exchange program outside of Canada for a minimum of 60 days during the fall semester and/or during the winter semester.”

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION:

  • A copy of your timetable that demonstrates that you are registered in the exchange program

“I am participating in an internship outside the city of Ottawa for a minimum of 60 days during the fall semester and/or during the winter semester.”

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION:

  • A signed letter from the Department coordinating the internship

“I am conducting research outside the city of Ottawa for a minimum of 60 days during the fall semester and/or during the winter semester.”

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION:

  • A confirmation from your thesis or research supervisor that you are indeed doing research outside the city of Ottawa for a minimum of 60 days during the fall semester and/or during the winter semester

“I am a member of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.”

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION:

  • Your CNIB identification card

“I am a Para Transpo Registrant who is residing in the RTA-A.”

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION:

  • Proof of residency within the Rural Transit Area (RTA-A)

“I have dropped down to part-time, or am no longer registered as a student at Saint Paul University.”

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION:

  • No proof necessary

If you are eligible, you must submit an exemption form along with the necessary supporting documentation by the deadline to receive a reimbursement.

If you have already received your U-Pass card, you must attach it to the application to be eligible for an exemption.

You can hand in your application to the Student Association Office GIG 38B during distribution or by email: upass@ustpaul.ca.

Late, retroactive and/or incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

Contact

Saint Paul University Student Association,

upass@ustpaul.ca

613-236-1393 ext. 3008