U-Pass Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do students obtain U-Passes?

A: Follow the instructions on our main USSU U-Pass page ussu.ca/upass for the steps to install the app on your phone and how to load the pass

Q: What if the student wants to give his/her U-Pass to another student who wants it but is not eligible under the terms of the referendum?

A: The U-Pass is only valid for the student that is assessed the fee. Use by another person will result in the pass being marked as illegal and will be removed from the students’ account.

Q: Who is eligible to Opt Out?

A: Eligible opt-outs include:

  1. Students who live in on-campus residences.
  2. Students who live outside the city limits during the term.
  3. Students who hold a disability parking pass for the U of S.

Q: When can I opt-out?

A: Students who are eligible for Opt Out need to re-apply for an opt-out every term.

Q: How do students living outside the city secure opt out?

A: Students will need to provide 3 pieces of identification with their address and a phone number, proving that they are currently living outside City limits. Anyone living more than 100km outside city limits may be required to submit additional documentation, such as but not limited to, letter from a landlord or gas receipts.

Q: How do students involved in internship or study abroad programs opt out? 

A: These students should never be assessed the fee. If it appears on their Student Account they should contact the USSU main office.

Q: How do students living in on-campus residences (Ogle Hall, Voyageur Place, and Lutheran Theological Seminary) out?

A: Students must fill out the online application if they want to opt out. You will also need to provide a copy of your lease showing what building you are living in. Note: College Quarter is not eligible to opt-out.

How did U-Pass become a thing?

On November 5 and 6, 2008, undergraduate students voted whether or not to make the Universal Bus Pass (U-Pass) permanent. The question was:

Are you in favor of a Universal Bus Pass (U-Pass) for all undergraduate students at a cost of $69.50(with a yearly CPI Adjustment) per student per term covering the months of September to December (Term 1) and January to April (Term 2) each year?

Students in one or more of the following categories will be eligible for exemption: those living outside the city limits, those enrolled exclusively in distance education courses, those living in on-campus housing (Ogle Hall, Voyageur Place Residence, Lutheran Theological Seminary and St. Andrew’s) or those holding a disabilities parking pass.

Results were as follows:

Yes 6253 80.12%
No 1552 19.88%
Total Votes 7805
Eligible Voters 17569
Response Rate 44.2%

Spring & Summer U-Pass Referendum

The University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union seeks to expand the current U-Pass program to cover the months of May through August. Subject to student approval of the referendum question below, undergraduate students registered in 3 credit units in Spring Session, Quarter 1 and/or 2 (May and/or June) will receive a U-Pass for May and June for a fee of $36.75 in 2013. The fee will be subject to a yearly consumer price index increase. Undergraduate students registered in 3 credit units in Summer Session, Quarter 3 and/or 4 (July and/or August) will receive a U-Pass for July and August for a fee of $36.75 in 2013 and similarly subject to a yearly consumer price index increase. Only students registered in classes will be eligible for a U-Pass. The referendum question was:

Do you support the implementation of a Spring and/or Summer U-Pass (universal bus pass) for undergraduate students enrolled in May and/or June (Spring Session, Quarter 1 and 2 or the entire spring term) for $36.75 with a yearly consumer price index adjustment and for July and/or August (Summer Session, Quarter 3 and 4 or the entire summer term) for a fee of $36.75 with a yearly consumer price index adjustment for those undergraduate students enrolled in July and/or August?

Students in one or more of the following categories will be eligible for exemption: those living outside the city limits, those enrolled exclusively in distance education courses, those living in on-campus housing (Ogle Hall, Voyageur Place Residence, Lutheran Theological Seminary and St. Andrew’s), or those unable to ride the bus due to a disability.
Results were as follows:

Yes 2763 86.13%
No 405 12.62%
Total Votes 3208