Eligible NorQuest students have now been enrolled in the Universal Transit Pass or U-Pass program for the 2021 Fall term. You will see a charge of $180 on your MyQuest account for this service.
Starting in the Fall 2021 term, we are very excited to announce some exciting changes to the U-Pass.
New Digital Platform: The U-Pass has gone digital! You don’t need a sticker on your student ID anymore. Pick up your Arc card, activate your U-Pass, then just tap to ride transit. Click here to learn more about the new digital platform for U-Pass.
Expanded Eligibility: We have expanded the eligibility for the U-Pass to include more students. Passed by student referendum in March 2021, part-time students and students on practicum/clinical are now included in the mandatory program.
Opt-outs: Students may be able to opt out of U-Pass if they meet one of the following (proof required):
- You have a valid CNIB, DATS, Strathcona County Mobility Bus, St. Albert Handibus, ATS, STSS or LATS registration.
- You work for one of the transit services
- You have a practicum or classes outside of the service area for longer than eight (8) consecutive weeks
- You are receiving the U-Pass through another participating institution
Expanded opt-out pilot program: In addition to the above opt-outs, the below exemptions are being piloted as part of the 2021 school year (proof required):
- You are 65 years of age or older during the academic term.
- You are receiving benefits from AISH immediately before the academic term begins.
- You live outside of a 100 kilometer radius from the main campus
U-Pass opt-outs will open on Monday, August 23. The deadline to opt-out is September 9. For full details, please visit our U-Pass page here.
Your U-Pass
What is the U-Pass?
The U-Pass (or Universal Transit Pass) provides unlimited usage of regular service (excluding special event, contracted, and charter service) from:
- Edmonton Transit System (including the LRT)
- Beaumont Transit
- Fort Saskatchewan Transit
- Leduc Transit
- Spruce Grove Transit
- St. Albert Transit
- Strathcona County Transit
When is the U-Pass valid?
- Fall term (Aug 25 – Dec 31),
- Winter term (Jan 1 – Apr 30), and
- Spring/Summer term (May 1 – Aug 31)
How much does it cost?
The U-Pass fee is $180 per term for the 2021-22 through 2024-25 academic years. That’s right, the U-Pass won’t increase in price for the next 4 years!
Who is eligible?
Full-time and part-time NorQuest College students who have been assessed the Students’ Association fee and are taking classes within the Edmonton city limits are eligible for the U-Pass. The U-Pass is mandatory for all eligible students and administered by the Students’ Association of NorQuest College. The U-pass fee is payable at the start of term.
Your Arc
What is the Arc card?
The Arc card (formerly known as smart fare) is an electronic fare payment system for transit agencies in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Essentially, it is your bus pass and once you have added your U-Pass to it, you will be able to start using transit with it.
Where do I get an Arc card?
Starting Monday, August 23, you will be able to pick up your free Arc card (while supplies last) at the SANQC Service Centre (1-086).
How do I load my U-Pass onto my Arc card?
Once you have an Arc card, go to your MyQuest, where you will see the Arc icon. Click on it to access the area to load your U-Pass onto your Arc card. Once you’ve completed the process, it should take as little as 15 minutes to activate. This is a new process so please be patient if it takes a bit longer to process. Once your U-Pass has successfully been added, you can start using your Arc card for transit.
Your Transit
How do I ride the bus or LRT?
Check out this great introduction on how to use the Arc card from ETS here. Remember that with the U-Pass, all of your regular public transit fees are already paid for!
Where is the U-Pass valid?
Your U-Pass provides you with unlimited usage of regular service (excluding special event, contracted and charter services with the Edmonton Transit System (including the LRT), Beaumont Transit, Fort Saskatchewan Transit, Leduc Transit, Spruce Grove Transit, St. Albert Transit and Strathcona County Transit.
Contact Us
Still have questions?
Visit us on campus in the Singhmar Centre for Learning at our SANQC Service Centre (1-086), email us at students.association@norquest.ca or call us at 780.644.6250. We are here for you!