Compass U-Pass
The Compass U-Pass BC is a universal transit program jointly offered by Emily Carr University and the Emily Carr Students’ Union (ECSU). It provides eligible students with unlimited rides on TransLink buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and discounts on other sustainable transportation programs.
The U-Pass BC is mandatory for all eligible students.
Program Overview + Eligibility
The Compass U-Pass BC gives full-time students an easy, affordable way to get around Vancouver.
You’re automatically enrolled if you’re a current undergraduate or graduate student, with a few exceptions.
Not eligible:
- Outgoing Exchange students
- Students in programs not offered at the ECU campus (Online, Headstart in Art)
- Students taking only WIL/Co-op credits
- MFA Low-Residence students (except July for MFA Low-Res; June for MFA Low-Res Critical Ecological Practices)
- Continuing Studies students
The program is available only to students registered in at least 3 credits per term.
Fees + Activation
Fees
- $46.90 per month from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026
- Fees are assessed automatically when you register for classes.
- You must pay tuition and U-Pass fees by the published payment deadline to remain eligible.
How to Activate Your U-Pass
- Get a Compass Card (TransLink’s reloadable fare card) from any authorized Translink vendor or skytrain kiosk.
- Go to the U-Pass BC website and log in with your student credentials.
- Load your U-Pass BC credit each month.
- Tap your Compass Card on buses, SkyTrain, or SeaBus for unlimited rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I receive my Compass U-Pass?
Students requiring a Compass card go to any authorized Translink vendor or skytrain kiosk to procure the card (cost of $6.00). To load U-Pass BC credit onto your Compass card you will need to log in to the U-Pass BC site.
Your credit will take 24 hours to load credit on your card. Make sure to load credit for upcoming month after the 16th of previous month. For example, U-Pass credit for September 2021 will be available as of August 16th, 2021.
If I don’t activate my pass am I still charged?
Yes, the Compass U-Pass program is mandatory. If you are eligible, and have not secured an exemption, you will be charged the Compass U-Pass fee whether or not you activate your Compass U-Pass.
When do I pay for my Compass U-Pass BC card?
The Compass U-Pass charges are included in your student fees. For fall and spring semesters, you will be assessed the Compass U-Pass BC fee at the beginning of each semester and will be charged for all 4 months of Compass U-Pass BC at once.
For the summer semester only, you will be assessed and charged the Compass U-Pass BC fee on a term basis and are only eligible for Compass U-Pass BC in each term that you meet eligibility requirements. For example, if you are taking courses and meet eligibility requirements in Term 1 (May/June), you are only eligible to receive a Compass U-Pass BC for May and June and will not receive a Compass U-Pass BC for July and August.
What if I forget my student ID?
You must always carry your Emily Carr Student ID Card with your Compass U-Pass BC. The Compass U-Pass BC card is valid only when presented with valid student ID. If you forget your pass or your student ID, then you are required to pay the appropriate transit fare or you may be subject to fines and/or loss of Compass U-Pass BC privileges.
Can I loan my Compass Card to a friend?
Cards are non-transferable so you may not loan your pass to anyone.
If I’m not able to use my Compass Card, can I sell it to another person?
The Compass U-Pass BC card is not transferable. Lending or selling your Compass U-Pass BC card to another person, or attempting to use another person’s Compass U-Pass BC card, is an offence. Students need to carry additional photo ID to verify their identity and that they are currently registered as a student at an enrolled Compass U-Pass BC institution.