Universal Bus Pass (U-PASS)
In 2007, students at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus voted for a mandatory U-PASS program that has provided them with a discounted semester transit pass, as well as significant improvements to transit, which have benefited the entire community.
Since its inception, fees for the U-PASS have not increased with regular transit fare increases.
The referendum
On November 18, 2011, UBC Okanagan students voted in approval of a fare increase for their U-PASS. It was proposed that the 2012 U-PASS would cost $60, versus the $50 its cost today. This means students would pay $54 (a 10 per cent subsidy is paid by UBCO) versus the $45 they currently pay.
Fare increases are necessary to fund transit improvements and better meet student needs. The approved U-PASS rate increase matches an increase in transit fares system-wide. Increasing fares from time to time helps to cover some of the increases in operating expenses and allows transit service expansions to keep occurring.
Want more?
For answers to some frequently asked questions about the UBCO U-PASS, visit the UBCO U-PASS FAQ's page
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Check out a complete list of the improvements to transit since the inception of the UBCO U-PASS.
Visit the BC Transit Kelowna page for more information about transit and the routes that service your area.