U-Pass Referendum

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U-Pass Referendum Information

The Universal Pass (U-Pass), originally piloted in 2010, championed the goal of offering a lower-cost transportation option to students, reducing traffic congestion and lowering vehicle emissions, increasing transit ridership, and improving the mobility and transit access of students within the Edmonton region.

For a referendum to pass, we must have 10% voter turnout and two thirds of students have to vote yes.

In February 2025 we asked our students to vote if they would like the Fall and Winter term U-Pass to continue for another 3 years.

The prices as follows:

  • Fall 2025/Winter 2026: $180.00
  • Fall 2026/Winter 2027: $182.50
  • Fall 2027/Winter 2028: $185.00

We had a historic voter turnout of 41.3% and 89.7% voted yes.

In June 2025 we asked our students for the first time in U-Pass history at NAIT, if they would like to have a Spring Term U-Pass for May 1 – August 31, 2026-2028.

The prices as follows:

  • Spring 2026: $180.00
  • Spring 2027: $182.50
  • Spring 2028: $185.00

We had a 26.1% voter turnout and 90.1% voted yes.

Spring Term U-Pass Referendum FAQs

Exemptions

The Spring Term U-Pass will follow the same criteria for eligibility and exemptions as the Fall and Winter U-Pass. Therefore, the U-Pass will remain mandatory for all credit, on-campus students at NAIT. Those who are ineligible for the U-Pass are as follows:

  • Apprentices
  • Students who take all of their classes online. (Note: this means there is no on-campus component such as labs, lectures, exams, etc.).
  • Non-credit students (For example: ESL, Continuing Education).
  • Students whose courses begin after the exemption deadlines.

The following students will be able to request an exemption:

  • Seniors
  • Those receiving financial assistance from AISH
  • Students who live greater than a 100km radius away from NAIT campus where their in-person classes are delivered.
  • Students who have a valid CNIB registration, DATS, SCAT or Handibus registration,
  • Students who work as transit staff.
  • Students who have a U-Pass from another provider for the same term.
  • Students who are on a practicum outside the service areas for longer than eight weeks per term.
How long does the spring contract last?

For 3 years 2026-2028, during the months of May-August.

IS U-PASS A LARGE DISCOUNT?
Monthly passes are no longer available and have been replaced by Arc cards with a monthly fare cap. The estimated discount over current rates ranges from 38% to 63%.

These discounts are expected to grow as Arc fare caps increase in the coming years.

Who qualifies for the Spring Term U-Pass?

NAIT students taking Spring classes must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Spring Term U-Pass, starting May 2026:

  • At least one credit, on-campus course (lab, lecture, exam, etc).
  • The on-campus credit course must begin before the last Friday of May.
When can I start using my Spring Term U-Pass?
The Spring Term U-Pass will start working for eligible students May 1 – August 31, 2026.
What is the exemption deadline be for the Spring Term U-Pass?
The Spring Term U-Pass exemption deadline is the last Friday of May at 4pm.
If my classes end in June, will my U-Pass only work until June?
The U-Pass will work for qualifying students from May 1 – August 31 regardless of when their classes end.
If I start my classes in July (Summer term only), will I get the Spring Term U-Pass?
No. To be eligible for the Spring Term U-Pass, students must be enrolled in a Spring term class.
Why can’t I get a U-Pass if I have classes starting in July?
The U-Pass Program is governed by the rules agreed on and stipulated by the U-Pass Advisory Committee in the U-Pass Contract. The U-Pass Committee has representatives from all seven participating municipalities (Edmonton, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Strathcona County, Beaumont, and Fort Saskatchewan) and five participating post-secondary institutions (NAIT, MacEwan, University of Alberta, NorQuest, and Concordia). Currently, the contract only offers a 4-month option.
Can students get a 2-month U-Pass option? For May/June and another one for July/August?
Currently, municipalities participating in the U-Pass program do not offer a 2-month option. If this referendum passes, the Spring Term U-Pass would only be applicable for May-start students.
If I do not qualify for the Spring Term U-Pass and want it, can I opt in to get it?
No. Like the Fall and Winter Term U-Pass, students must meet the criteria stipulated in the U-Pass contract; therefore, students who do not qualify for it cannot opt in to the program.
What kind of transit service can I expect during May-August?
Students should know that the transit service offerings provided by ETS and surrounding municipalities are less frequent during May – August. We encourage you to check your nearest transit website for current spring offerings.