FAQ
- Who is eligible to receive the U-Pass?
- Can I opt in to the U-Pass program?
- How much does the U-Pass cost?
- How do I use my U-Pass?
- When, where and how do I get my U-Pass?
- Who can request a refund?
- When are the refund application deadlines?
- Can someone else use my U-Pass?
- What are the benefits of the U-Pass?
- I have applied for a refund, but my request has not been granted and I don't understand why.
- What if I live a few blocks away from the school or outside the service area for buses?
- I am a new full time student beginning in January; will I automatically be included in the U-Pass program?
- What should I do if I've lost my U-Pass?
- Who is eligible to receive the U-Pass?
All NSCC students registered at one of our Metro campuses (Akerley/Aviation, IT and Waterfront) and meeting the following criteria are eligible to receive the U-Pass:- Students registered in a program of 20 weeks or longer in duration;
- Students in our Adult Learning Program registered in 3 or more units of course work;
- Students taking programs delivered off-site but which are located within the HRM.
- Can I opt in to the U-Pass program?
No. Only students registered as full-time and meeting the eligibility requirements are entitled to a U-Pass during the academic year. - How much does the U-Pass cost?
The U-Pass is mandatory and costs $159 per academic year (September to May). Therefore, students starting their program in the fall term will be assessed the $159 fee for the entire academic year.
Those students starting their programs in January or later will be assessed a fee of $89 for the winter term. - How do I use my U-Pass?
Your U-Pass is valid for unlimited use; seven days a week, throughout the academic year (ending May 31).You are required to have your NSCC student ID/U-Pass with you whenever you ride on the Metro Transit system. U-Pass is accepted on all conventional Metro Transit buses, ferries, and Community Transit buses - except MetroLink and MetroX (an additional fare is required on this special service). - When, where and how do I get my U-Pass?
Once you have paid your fees to the Business Office and obtained your student ID card, you will be eligible to receive a U-Pass sticker. This sticker will be affixed to your student ID card which will serve as your pass to Metro Transit services. Stickers can be picked up at your campus Business Office. Note: U-Pass stickers are not valid until September 1, 2012 therefore stickers will not be available for pick up before Monday, August 20, 2012. - Who can request a refund?
As this is a mandatory student service, a refund of the U-Pass fee is limited to the following:- Students who officially withdraw from NSCC before the advertised deadline for their program (see NSCC's Academic Schedule for dates);
- Students who change from full-time to part-time status before the official add/ drop date for the term as defined by NSCC (see NSCC's Academic Schedule for dates);
- Students who use Access-A-Bus or have a CNIB pass.
- When are the refund application deadlines?
Refund deadlines for those students eligible to apply are listed on the main U-Pass page. - Can someone else use my U-Pass?
No. Your U-Pass belongs to you. It cannot be loaned, sold or transferred to another person. Bus drivers will check your NSCC picture ID. If it is not your pass, the driver can take the U-Pass from you. If this happens, contact us at . Make sure to include "UPASS" in the subject line.
Please be aware that if U-Pass privileges are misused, the pass can be revoked without a refund. - What are the benefits of the U-Pass?
Although some benefits of your U-Pass are obvious, such as allowing flexible, convenient and affordable travel; students have to make less than four return trips per month to save with the U-Pass (wherever conventional Metro Transit routes run). But cost savings aren't the only benefits of the program. Here are a couple of additional ways in which the U-Pass can benefit NSCC students, and our community as a whole:- Who hasn't heard of global warming? By lowering traffic volumes and air pollution, we can make a contribution to having cleaner air to breathe and a better environment for the future. Check out the Metro Transit website for more information on the ways in which they are reducing greenhouse gas emissions in and around HRM.
- The more we use public transit the better it will get! U-Pass revenues will help Metro Transit to pay for improved services all over our municipality.
- I have applied for a refund, but my request has not been granted and I don't understand why.
As mentioned before, this is a mandatory plan therefore, refunds will not be granted for the following reasons:- Distance or location of residence
- Time or schedule constraints
- Choosing to drive
- Minimal usage
- What if I live a few blocks away from the school or outside the service area for buses?
While some students may see more limited use of the U-Pass because of where they live or how they currently commute to school, all students need to know that the U-Pass isn't limited to commuting back and forth to school. The U-Pass would be usable 24/7 for 9 months, making shopping, errands and entertainment a bus ride away! And if you live outside the service area, you can drive to any Park & Ride lot (except Woodside Ferry lot), park your car for free and catch the bus from there. View the list of current Park & Ride locations in HRM from Metro Transit. - I am a new full time student beginning in January; will I automatically be included in the U-Pass program?
Yes. As a full time student you will be assessed the U-Pass fee for the winter term ($86) along with your other fees. As soon as the U-Pass fee has been paid and you have obtained your student ID, you may pick up your pass at the Business Office and begin using it right away. - What should I do if I've lost my U-Pass?
If you have lost your U-Pass there are several steps you may take. Listed below are recommended contacts in sequential order:- Metro Transit's Lost and Found Department at (902) 490-6617 as soon as you notice that your pass is missing. If a patron or operator has found your pass on a bus they will turn it in here first.
- Business Office – found U-Passes will be forwarded here by Metro Transit on a regular basis.
- Campus Security – passes found by staff and students in and around the campus building may be turned in to this central location.
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