Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
How much does the U-Pass cost?
Will I be able to claim the federal tax credit for public transportation?
Distribution
Where and when do I pick-up my U-Pass?
Validity
Is the U-Pass in place during the summer?
Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?
On which routes can I use my U-Pass?
Is my U-Pass valid on Para Transpo?
Exemptions
Is it possible to opt-out of the U-Pass program?
I am only registering for the fall term for full-time studies. Will I only have to pay $145?
I am only registering full-time for the winter term. Am I able to get a U-Pass?
How much does the U-Pass cost?
The U-pass costs $145 per semester (Fall and Winter) and is mandatory for all full-time students. The U-Pass will be effective from September 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012.
Who is entitled to a U-Pass?
The U-Pass is a mandatory program for all full-time students. The only exceptions are the following:
- Students residing in the Socitété de Transport de l’Outaouais’s area of service (STO)
- Students participating in an international exchange for a minimum of 60 days during the semester.
- Students participating in a coop term outside the city of Ottawa, for a minimum of 60 days during the semester
- Students conducting research outside the city of Ottawa for a minimum of 60 days during the semester
- Students who are members of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
- A student that holds a valid U-Pass issued by another post-secondary educational institution located within the City of Ottawa.
- A student that is attending the University of Ottawa at a campus located outside the City of Ottawa (i.e Pembroke campus),
Will I be able to claim the federal tax credit for public transportation?
Transit Tax Credit <http://www.octranspo1.com/tickets-and-passes/transit_tax_credit>
You can claim a portion of the cost of your transit pass on your Income Tax Return. The non-refundable tax credit for 2010 will be 15% of the cost of your pass. Your statement of account <https://web32.uottawa.ca/ebilling/StudentInvoicing.aspx?culture=en-CA> (Universal Transit Pass “U-Pass” item) is your receipt for income tax purposes in order to claim this tax credit.
For more information on your income tax return, consult the Canada Revenue Agency <http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/p105/> website.
Where and when do I pick-up my U-Pass?
The distribution period for uPASS cards will be from August 22nd to September 16th. Please come to the University Centre’s couch lounge with your student card, or another piece of photo identification during our hours of operation which are as follows:
Monday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
For students studying at the Roger Guindon campus, the uPASS cards will be distributed at the campus’ student lounge as of August 24th with the following hours of operation:
Monday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Is the U-Pass in place during the summer?
No. The U-Pass is effective from September 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012. The U-Pass fee is only collected for the Fall and Winter semester.
Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?
No. Only students with full-time status are eligible for the U-Pass program.
On which routes can I use my U-Pass?
The U-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 my U-Pass valid on Para Transpo?
Yes, but for Para Transpo rural, you will be require to pay a supplemental fare.
Is my U-Pass valid on STO?
Yes, your U-Pass is valid on STO. The U-Pass will follow the same access policies that exist between OC Transpo and STO. Consult the following webpage for more info http://www.sto.ca/tarification/octranspo_reseau_sto_e.html
Is it possible to opt-out of the U-Pass program?
The U-Pass is a mandatory program for all full-time students. The only exceptions are the following:
- Students residing in the Socitété de Transport de l’Outaouais’s area of service (STO)
- Students participating in an international exchange for a minimum of 60 days during the semester.
- Students participating in a coop term outside the city of Ottawa, for a minimum of 60 days during the semester
- Students conducting research outside the city of Ottawa for a minimum of 60 days during the semester
- Students who are members of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
- A student that holds a valid U-Pass issued by another post-secondary educational institution located within the City of Ottawa.
- A student that is attending the University of Ottawa at a campus located outside the City of Ottawa (i.e Pembroke campus),
If I use a private bus company to get to campus (Leduc, 417 Bus line, etc.), can I opt-out of the U-Pass program?
No. However, you can still take advantage of the U-Pass, and save on transit, by driving to one of the many free Park and Ride lots conveniently located throughout Ottawa, and continuing on OC Transpo buses to campus. For any question regarding private bus companies and the U-Pass Program, please contact OC Transpo at 613-842-3600.
If I qualify for an exemption but the U-Pass fee appears on my uOttawa account, how do I get refunded?
If you have been charged the U-Pass fee on your uOttawa account and that you qualify for an exemption, you need to fill out an exemption application and provide proof of your eligibility under one of the abovementioned criteria. The forms will be available at the SFUO Office (University Centre Room 07) as of August 15th 2011, and need to be returned by October 14th at the latest.
I am only registering for the fall term for full-time studies. Will I only have to pay $145?
As a single card is provided for the period from September to April, you will be charged the full fee of $290 if you are a full-time student during the fall term. If you are no longer a full-time student in the winter term, you may receive a fee adjustment on your student account of $145 by returning your U-Pass to your student association at the end of the Fall semester. The deadline to return your U-pass card will be posted soon.
I am only registering full-time for the winter term. Am I able to get a U-Pass?
Yes, you can pick up your U-Pass for the winter term in January at your students' union office.
