Do you support
keeping the
U-Pass?
Vote in the referendum
March 12-14
What is the U-Pass?
The U-Pass is a discounted fare offered through Ontario Tech University’s partnership with Durham Region Transit (DRT). The U-Pass provides all full-time Ontario Tech students with access to unlimited travel on DRT as part of your mandatory ancillary fees. Students cannot opt-out of the U-Pass fee.
Why is there a referendum?
In September 2025, the U-Pass agreement is up for renewal.
The cost of the U-Pass will increase approximately 5% each year for the next 3 years.
If you vote not to have U-Pass, all students will have to pay the adult fare. There is no guarantee that DRT will provide another U-Pass in the future.
Fare Comparison
2024/2025 Academic Year
The U-Pass makes transit 70% cheaper than the current regular adult fare. If you vote not to have U-Pass, all students will have to pay the regular adult fare.
| Fare Type | Monthly Cost | Single Ride Cost |
|---|---|---|
| U-Pass | $38.21 | $0.91 |
| Adult Monthly Presto Pass | $129.60 | $3.08 |
| Adult Fare (With Presto) | $151.20 | $3.60 |
| Adult Fare (Without Presto) | $193.20 | $4.60 |
Calculated based on 2 trips per day and an average of 42 trips per month.
Proposed Fee Increase
In September 2025, the U-Pass agreement is up for renewal. The cost of the U-Pass will increase approximately 5 per cent each year for the next 3 years.
| U-Pass Fee Per Semester | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 Academic Year (Current) | 2025/2026 Academic Year | 2026/2027 Academic Year | 2027/2028 Academic Year |
| $152.85 | $160.45 | $168.45 | $176.85 |
| U-Pass Fee Per Semester | |
|---|---|
| Academic Year | Cost |
| 2024/2025 (Current) | $152.85 |
| 2025/2026 | $160.45 |
| 2026/2027 | $168.45 |
| 2027/2028 | $176.85 |
U-Pass Ridership Statistics
2023/2024 Academic Year
A total of 576,635 trips were taken by Ontario Tech students during the 2023/2024 academic year
Approximately 62% of Ontario Tech students use their U-Pass
Approximately 48% of student riders take more than 10 trips per month
U-Pass Uses Per Month
