UPass Mobile App Pilot Project Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but as a pilot program only for the 2021 Spring/Summer term. This Pilot program will not be repeated in future semesters. 

The Requirements are:

• Must have a @ucalgary.ca email address.
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of two x three-unit courses in one of the Spring or Summer terms. Both of these courses must be within the same term.
• Must have a handheld device that supports either Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS)
• Must Opt-in via the student portal click my service request to initiate the $262 fee (no prorating)

If you don’t want to opt-in, or you don’t have a mobile device to support Google Play or the App Store you can purchase discounted bus tickets. Click here for locations.

Yes. You just need to be full-time in either Spring or Summer, not both, in order to be eligible for the UPass.

For undergrad students, a full-time course load in spring is 6 units or more, and full-time in summer is 6 units or more; you must be full time in either term to be eligible to opt in to the mobile UPass. 

You cannot be part-time in both terms to qualify for the full-time UPass opt in.

Begin the opt-in process via the student portal (beginning Apr. 19 to May 31) to initiate the fee. Once that is complete visit UCalgary Parking and Transportation website for further instructions.

If your classes have been moved to online, yes, an opt out option would be available until May 11, 2021. Please contact Enrollment services to investigate this option.

You can edit your profile by going into myID account. Once you are signed in myID, go to account –> edit profile –> change your email and then update it.

My Fare is a mobile ticketing app that allows you to purchase and use fare products such as regular monthly, single ride tickets and UPass.

The app is free to download from Google Play or the App Store.

My Fare is available on the majority of iOS or Android devices installed with the current or previous major version operating system. The application is not supported in non-Android or non-iOS devices. Older versions of software may not be supported.

After downloading My Fare, create a myID using your @ucalgary.ca email then select the product you wish to use- UPass. The product will be electronically delivered to your My Fare ticket wallet after a 48 –72 hour delay. The UPass will only be available for your use from May 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021.

Yes, you need to create an account using your City of Calgary myID with your @ucalgary.ca email information. If you create an account, you can stay signed in, but you’ll be asked to log back in every 30 days.

UPass is valid for one Semester (e.g. May 1- Aug. 31 for Spring/Summer). A UPass can be downloaded for the pilot program from April 19 until May 31, 2021. A Semester UPass must be activated before riding on transit and can be activated on or any time after the 1st of the Semester it is valid for (e.g. you can activate a Spring/Summer pass any time from May 1 to Aug. 31, 2021).

You MUST activate your ticket or pass prior to boarding a Transit vehicle or prior to entering a fare restricted area. Be ready to scan your UPass at the onboard validator when boarding a vehicle or show to a Calgary Transit official upon request.  Please have your UCalgary Unicard available as a verification tool. Your UPass can be found in your Ticket Wallet on the main screen of the My Fare application.

A valid UPass on My Fare displays a bar code and a moving visual ticket. On a bus, you will scan the bar code on the lower screen of the onboard validator.  If asked, you can show the pass to a Calgary Transit bus driver or Peace Officer for visual validation. While CTrains don’t have onboard validators, you can use the app to ride the CTrain.

Yes, a valid UPass must be activated for each trip.

Yes. You can use the same UPass to transfer to other fixed routes.

• UPass is only valid for one semester at a time (Spring/Summer, Fall or Winter), based on your full-time enrollment status
• Unused passes past their validity period will appear as EXPIRED and will no longer be accepted for travel nor will they be valid for refund.

• Mobile passes are validated through the fixed on-board validators on vehicles.
• They can also be validated by using visual inspection.
• Hand-held inspection devices may be used by Peace Officers to digitally scan a ticket using the barcode functionality.
• Carry your UCalgary issued Unicard with you for additional verification if needed.

Please tap the bar code on the lower screen of the onboard validator. An audible beep and a colored screen will identify the UPass as valid for use.

Each UPass includes a visual validation bar as well as a unique barcode that will occasionally be scanned by Transit officials as part of an inspection process. Please present your mobile UPass for inspection, if requested.

A Mobile UPass does not need cell phone or WIFI services to activate and display a ticket. You do need connectivity for the initial download of the UPass. If you lose cell phone service after activating and boarding the vehicle you will be able to activate and display the UPass from the ticket wallet.

You are responsible for having a mobile phone in good working order and usable prior to boarding and through the duration of your trip. If your mobile phone is inoperable, it is expected that you would use some other payment method for your trip.

If you lose your device or purchase a new one, you can transfer any valid, nonexpired UPass to a new device. To do so, login to your account from your new device and your active UPass will be displayed. Please note that passes on your old device will become invalid. My Fare users are allowed three device switches over a six-month period. Please note that pass transfer is not possible if you do not have a City of Calgary MyID account.

Because the Pilot project is an Opt in one time only, no refund program, you will have access to the mobile UPass from your Opt in date to the end of August, even if your school status changes.

Co-Op and Internship students are eligible to participate in the UPass program but must contact Enrolment Services to Opt in and have the fee assessed.

Once the opt in has been processed and you can see the UPass fee reflected in your general fees, wait 24 hours before signing into My Fare.

Yes. Graduate studies students can initialize their registration through the student portal, or visit this website for instructions. https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/registration/annual-registration/initialize-your-registration

Please email the UPass office: upass@ucalgary.ca

No. The pass is strictly non-transferable.

No. Because student status can change from term to term, the UPass will be issued each semester: Fall (September- December), Winter (January – April) and Spring/Summer (May-August).  (Spring/Summer 2021 Mobile Opt In UPass Pilot project is available April 19, 2021).

For the Spring/Summer 2021 Mobile UPass Pilot Project, no. It is an Opt in option for the Spring/Summer 2021 Project ONLY. 

403-268-1969 or email at MyFare@calgary.ca.

Email us at: campusservicecentre@ucalgary.ca