1. The U-Pass would provide unlimited usage of regular transit services from Edmonton Transit Service (including Route 747), St. Albert Transit, Strathcona County Transit, Spruce Grove Transit, Fort Saskatchewan Transit, Leduc Transit, and Beaumont Transit (excluding special events, contracted and charter transit services offered by any municipalities, or any transit service for which regular transit fares do not apply) to all Students’ Association of MacEwan University members and affiliates who are enrolled in courses on Grant MacEwan University campuses located within the Edmonton City Limits for:
   • Fall Term (Aug 25 – December 31);
   • Winter Term (January 1 – April 30); and
   • Spring/Summer terms (April 20 – August 31).
2. The cost of the U-Pass to each participating student would be mandatory. The rate will be as follows:
   • 2025/26: $180 per each term for the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer
   • 2026/27: $182.50 per each term for the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer
   • 2027/28: $185 per each term for the Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer
3. The U-Pass would be optional for the following:
   • Students registered for Disabled Adult Transit Service (DATS) or any other accessibility transit service within participating municipalities;
   • Students with a valid Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) registration card;
   • Students in a co-op or practicum program who are taking no on-campus credit courses and lasting more than 8 consecutive weeks of a School Term, and are fulfilling their course requirements outside the boundaries of participating municipalities for the majority of that School Term;
   • Students who are currently a full-time continuing employee of MacEwan University taking credit courses;
   • Students employed by any of the participating municipal transit services;
   • Students enrolled in another post-secondary educational institution and are required to participate in a transportation program similar to the U-Pass Program being offered at MacEwan University.
   • Students who are, or will be turning 65 years of age or older during the relevant School Term;
   • Students with a valid registration in the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program during the relevant School Term; or
   • Students whose principal residence is outside of a 100 km radius, measured from the main campus on which their in-person courses are delivered.
4. The U-Pass will expire upon the outcome of a subsequent referendum or if it is no longer practicable for the Students’ Association to adhere to any of (1) through (4) above.
   • ☐ Yes, I support the mandatory U-Pass program
   • ☐ No, I do not support the mandatory U-Pass program
   • ☐ Abstain from voting

If the majority of students vote against the U-Pass, the program will be discontinued. There will be no mandatory U-Pass fee, and no opt-in option for students. Those who rely on public transit will need to purchase regular priced transit passes.

1. Students registered for Disabled Adult Transit Service (DATS) or any other accessibility transit service within participating municipalities;
2. Students with a valid Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) registration card;
3. Students in a co-op or practicum program who are taking no on-campus credit courses and lasting more than 8 consecutive weeks of a School Term, and are fulfilling their course requirements outside the boundaries of participating municipalities for the majority of that School Term;
4. Students who are currently a full-time continuing employee of MacEwan University taking credit courses;
5. Students employed by any of the participating municipal transit services;
6. Students enrolled in another post-secondary educational institution and are required to participate in a transportation program similar to the U-Pass Program being offered at MacEwan University.
7. Students who are, or will be turning 65 years of age or older during the relevant School Term;
8. Students with a valid registration in the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program during the relevant School Term; or
9. Students whose principal residence is outside of a 100 km radius, measured from the main campus on which their in-person courses are delivered.

• Lower Transportation Costs for Students: The U-Pass costs less than a regular monthly transit pass, providing savings for students who use public transportation.
  • U-Pass Cost Breakdown Per Month:
    • 2025/2026: $45 per month
    • 2026/2027: $45.63 per month
    • 2027/2028: $46.25 per month
  • Edmonton Transit Services Regular Bus Fare:
    • ARC Card Single 90-Minute Fare: $2.75
    • Adult Monthly Fare Cap: $100 (for adults ages 19-64)
  • Other Commuter Services:
    • Strathcona Commuter: $6.50 one-way, $85.50 monthly
    • St. Albert Commuter: $5 one-way, $107 monthly
    • Fort Saskatchewan Commuter: $5 one-way, $42.75 monthly
    • Spruce Grove Commuter: $5.60 one-way, $100 monthly
    • Leduc Commuter: $4.50 one-way, $90 monthly
    • Beaumont Commuter: $5.00 one-way, $75 monthly
• Savings for Students Who Drive: The U-Pass can help reduce costs associated with driving, such as gas, parking, vehicle maintenance, and insurance if using the U-Pass to drive less.
• Reduced Demand for Campus Parking: With MacEwan’s expected growth of an additional 7,000 students, the U-Pass could help ease parking congestion by encouraging students to use public transit rather than driving.
• Reduced Traffic Congestion: More students using public transit may result in less traffic in and around the campus and local community.
• Environmental Benefits: The U-Pass helps reduce emissions and greenhouse gases by promoting the use of public transportation.
• Improved Transit System: U-Pass programs can lead to the expansion of bus routes and improved transit services to the institution.

• Mandatory Fee with Limited Opt-out Options: All students enrolled in on-campus programs with at least one in-person class will be assessed the U-Pass fee. While there are opt-out options, most students may not qualify and will be required to pay for the U-Pass regardless of use.
• Additional Cost for Students Who Drive: Students who choose to drive and do not qualify for an opt-out option will incur additional costs, as they will pay both driving-related expenses and the U-Pass fee.
• Additional Cost for Some Students Who Take Transit: Some students qualify for the low income Edmonton Ride Transit Program, which offers lower-cost ETS passes, but do not qualify to opt out of U-Pass.
• Challenges with Transit: Issues such as distant bus stops, long wait times, extended travel times, and the need to transfer buses may make public transit less appealing for some students.
• Safety Concerns: Some students may feel unsafe, particularly at night, due to a perceived lack of security or the presence of individuals such as drug users or people experiencing homelessness.
• Cleanliness and Crowding: Buses may not always be clean, and peak travel times could lead to overcrowded conditions.