Guelph Transit
There are lots of ways to get around Guelph - walking, biking, and taking the bus are some of the most popular for students. Getting around Guelph by bus is relatively simple. As a U of G student, the Universal Bus Pass (UPass) is included in your student fees and provides unlimited transportation on Guelph Transit buses. For information on Guelph Transit services, schedules, fares and more, visit the Guelph Transit website.
About the Universal Bus Pass (UPass)
1. How do I use the Universal Bus Pass?
Effective January 1, 2022, eligible students will simply tap their student ID cards on the HID card reader upon boarding a Guelph Transit bus.
2. Who is an eligible student?
Every University of Guelph main campus student who has been charged the Bus Pass fee on their student account is an eligible student.
3. I don’t need the bus pass, can I opt-out?
No, the bus pass was voted on by students as a mandatory universal fee and does not offer an opt-out. Eligible students automatically receive a bus pass in the fall and winter semesters. Student who wish to use the UPASS over the summer can opt-in through the CSA for a fee.
4. I am a co-op student on a work term or I am registered in all DE defined courses, can I opt-in to the bus pass?
Yes! Undergraduate students enrolled in all DE defined courses or on a co-op work term are not billed for the bus pass as part of their semester fees but they can opt-in for a bus pass directly through the Central Students Association (CSA) for a fee.
5. My card is not working. Who should I contact?
If you registered for courses after the add period for the semester, please keep in mind that it could take up to 24 hours for your UPass to start working. If you just received a replacement card or are a first-year student who just received their card, it will take about an hour for your UPass to become active. For all other cases, please visit the Campus Card Office on level 0 of the University Centre if your UPass is not working.
If you are getting on Guelph Transit and the UPass does not work, your card will not be confiscated but you are expected to contact the Campus Card Office as soon as possible.
6. What happens if I lose my card? How much does it cost to replace my bus pass?
If your student ID card has been lost or stolen, visit the Campus Card website for information about deactivating your old card and receiving a replacement. All cards reported lost or stolen will be immediately deactivated for access to Guelph Transit.
There is a replacement fee of $25 for your student ID card. Within one hour, your replacement card will become active, allowing you to access transit.
→ Read more about University of Guelph Campus Cards here.
7. How frequently is the UPass student list updated?
Changes to all students' registration status (i.e., withdrawal or late add) will be reflected in the UPass user list within 18 hours.
Students receiving a replacement card or first-year students receiving their new card will have access to the bus within the hour. Those in receipt of a new student ID card may experience a longer "tap" wait time for the first 24 hours.
8. What information is being shared and displayed every time I tap?
No personal student information is being shared when you tap; only technical ID card information is required for validation.
9. What happens if I drop all my courses and withdraw from the semester?
Please visit the UofG Student Financial Services Refunds webpage for detailed information on withdrawals and refunds. Please note, if you receive a 100% bus fee refund, you will not be eligible to use the UPass.
