Eligible NorQuest students have now been enrolled in the Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) Program for the 2023 Winter term. You will see a charge of $180 on your MyQuest account for this service.
Opt-outs: Students may be able to opt-out of the 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 for the 2022-23 academic 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.
The deadline to opt-out of the 2023 Winter term U-Pass is Fri, Jan 20. 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 until at least 2025-26!
Who is eligible?
Full-time and part-time NorQuest College students who have been assessed the Students’ Association fee who are taking classes within the Edmonton city limits and/or have an in person practicum 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.
For full details, visit our U-Pass page here.
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. For more details, click here.
Do I need a new Arc card?
If you already have an Arc card, you don’t need a new one! You can use the same Arc card with your Winter term U-Pass. Eventually these cards will only be available through purchase at retailers so make sure you hang on to yours for future use.
Where do I get an Arc card?
If you don’t already have one, you can pick up your free Arc card (while supplies last) at the SANQC Office (1-114, SCFL).
How do I load my U-Pass onto my Arc card?
If you’re a returning student who had an active U-Pass and you’re eligible for the Winter term U-Pass, your U-Pass will automatically activate for you. Please make sure to hang onto your Arc card so you can continue to use your U-Pass uninterrupted over the term break!
If you are a new or returning student who did not have an active U-Pass and you’re eligible for the Winter term U-Pass, 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 could take as little as 15 minutes or as long as a few hours to activate. Once your U-Pass has successfully been activated, you can start using your Arc card for transit.
Note: The 2023 Winter term U-Pass doesn’t go into effect until Jan 1 even if it has been activated on your Arc card.
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 at the SANQC Office (1-114, SCFL), email us at students.association@norquest.ca or call us at 780.644.6250. We are here for you!