Compass U-Pass

Emily Carr University and the Emily Carr Students’ Union introduced the U-Pass BC program beginning in January 2011. As of May 1, 2015 this program was replaced by the Compass U-Pass BC Program.

The Compass U-Pass BC program is an integrated comprehensive transportation package that provides students in Metro Vancouver with universal, accessible and affordable access to public transit and other sustainable transportation programs.

It is a mandatory program for all members of the Emily Carr University Students' Union. The program was approved via student referendum in October 2010.

All undergraduate and graduate students are automatically in the Compass U-Pass BC Program except for the following student categories:

  • Outgoing Exchange students
  • Students in programs that are not offered at the Great Northern Way campus (i.e., Online Program students; Headstart in Art students)
  • Students that are only registered in WIL/Co-op credits
  • MAA Low Residence program students (except for July)
  • Continuing Studies students

Students who are currently enrolled but not residing in the Lower Mainland for the Spring 2022 term can be exempted from the program. More details are available here.

Compass U-Pass BC fee assessment
The Compass U-Pass BC fee is assessed at the time of registration.

Compass U-Pass BC Fee
The Compass U-Pass BC is $45.10 per month as of May 1, 2023.

You must be registered in at least 3 credits and pay your tuition and Compass U-Pass BC fees by the published fee payment deadline each term in order to remain eligible for a Compass U-Pass BC. Your fees do not need to be paid in advance of the tuition deadline in order for you to activate your pass.

FAQs

How do I receive my Compass U-Pass?

Students requiring a Compass card go to any authorized Translink vendor or skytrain kiosk to procure the card (cost of $6.00). To load U-Pass BC credit onto your Compass card you will need to log in to the U-Pass BC site.

Your credit will take 24 hours to load credit on your card. Make sure to load credit for upcoming month after the 16th of previous month. For example, U-Pass credit for September 2021 will be available as of August 16th, 2021.

How much will Compass U-Pass BC cost me?

The U-Pass program costs $45.10 per month.

If I don’t activate my pass am I still charged?

Yes, the Compass U-Pass program is mandatory. If you are eligible, and have not secured an exemption, you will be charged the Compass U-Pass fee whether or not you activate your Compass U-Pass.

When do I pay for my Compass U-Pass BC card?

The Compass U-Pass charges are included in your student fees. For fall and spring semesters, you will be assessed the Compass U-Pass BC fee at the beginning of each semester and will be charged for all 4 months of Compass U-Pass BC at once.

For the summer semester only, you will be assessed and charged the Compass U-Pass BC fee on a term basis and are only eligible for Compass U-Pass BC in each term that you meet eligibility requirements. For example, if you are taking courses and meet eligibility requirements in Term 1 (May/June), you are only eligible to receive a Compass U-Pass BC for May and June and will not receive a Compass U-Pass BC for July and August.

What if I forget my student ID?

You must always carry your Emily Carr Student ID Card with your Compass U-Pass BC. The Compass U-Pass BC card is valid only when presented with valid student ID. If you forget your pass or your student ID, then you are required to pay the appropriate transit fare or you may be subject to fines and/or loss of Compass U-Pass BC privileges.

Can I loan my Compass Card to a friend?

Cards are non-transferable so you may not loan your pass to anyone.

If I’m not able to use my Compass Card, can I sell it to another person?

The Compass U-Pass BC card is not transferable. Lending or selling your Compass U-Pass BC card to another person, or attempting to use another person’s Compass U-Pass BC card, is an offence. Students need to carry additional photo ID to verify their identity and that they are currently registered as a student at an enrolled Compass U-Pass BC institution.