What Other Schools Have U-Pass BC Programs?

UBC and SFU, Langara and Capilano have had a U-Pass program for several years now. As of this August, TransLink is cancelling the old U-Pass program, and replacing it with the new U-Pass BC program.

As of this fall, all Universities and Colleges in Metro Vancouver are set to offer the new TransLink U-Pass BC.

 

How is KSA MultiPass different?

The KSA MultiPass bundles the U-Pass BC with services that make it cheaper and easier for Kwantlen students to live a healthy and environmentally-responsible lifestyle.

The KSA understands that public transit is not available in all communities, particularly in some areas of South Surrey and Langley. The MultiPass aims to provide value in the pass for all students; even those without reasonable access to public transit.

Students told us they wanted services such as the following:

• fitness centre pass
• car sharing program
• direct shuttle between Kwantlen campuses
• bicycle lockers

We are working to build as many of these new services into the KSA MultiPass as we can.

 

How Much Will Your MultiPass Cost?

When we asked students what they want in a U-Pass BC program, over 80% responded that they would be willing to pay $45/month, if it included a range of services. The MultiPass will be only $40/month. This is a huge savings from the cost of a full price transit pass. Kwantlen students will save at least $164 every semester just on the bus pass alone. Use your MultiPass to get a Gold's Gym membership to save another $160. Or use the intercampus shuttle to save on gas and parking when traveling between campuses.

 

When will I be able to get my MultiPass?

We are currently on track to launch the MultiPass program in September of this year. Students will be able to begin picking up their U-Pass BC cards before classes start on August 24th.

 

How will I receive my U-Pass BC card?

The new U-Pass BC cards will be distributed directly to students on campus through the use of vending machines. These machines will be clearly labelled, and placed in the bookstore of each campus.

All you need to do in order to retrieve your U-Pass BC card is to swipe your Kwantlen student ID through the reader on the front of each machine. A few seconds later, you will be able to collect your card from the dispenser.

The new U-Pass BC cards expire at the end of each month. You'll need to make sure that you come back to get a new one before it expires. The University is still working to decide when the machines will be stocked with new cards.

 

Can I Opt Out?

No. The MultiPass, like the U-Pass BC at other schools, is a universal pass. This means that participation is mandatory for all students. There are very limited exemptions, so almost no one will be excluded. Having all students participate in the program is like a bulk-buy program. It makes it possible to provide the program at a significant discount.

 

Who is currently eligible to be exempt?

The University and TransLink are still working out the details of exactly who is eligible to become exempt from the program. We will be updating the website with all of the necessary information as soon as it becomes available.

 

Why Should I Have To Pay For a MultiPass If I Don't Use Public Transit?

If you live in Langley, you might most appreciate that it could save you money on parking and travel to other campuses.

If you live in Surrey, you might most appreciate that it gives you access to a car share program and intercampus shuttle.

If you live in Richmond you might most appreciate that it gets you a $5 Gold's Gym pass.

Aside from all these services that will be available to all students, increased use of public transit benefits everyone. When more students ride the bus to school, there is less traffic, less pressure on parking facilities, less pollution being produced, and more efficient use of taxpayer funded transportation services. Everyone wins with those benefits, even people who continue to drive.

 

Where can I get more information?

Call the MultiPass office at 604.599.2343, or send us your questions, concerns and suggestions to multipass@kusa.ca.

TransLink and other schools we are working with also have webpages on U-Pass BC.

 

How Can I Help?

Talk with your friends about the KSA MultiPass. Tell if you have any concerns about the program. Stop by our offices and to tell us what you think, or send us your suggestions directly to multipass@kusa.ca.

Together we will be able to create a MultiPass that you will truly be able to call your own!