The UFV Student Union Society (SUS), through their U-Pass program, allows students access to recreational centres, student perks, and free transportation to most Central Fraser Valley Transit routes (excluding the FVX66). Previously, this was done through the semesterly U-Pass stickers, but now, the U-Pass has been digitized. Beginning May 1, 2024, students no longer need a U-Pass sticker on the back of their campus card for public transportation. Instead, they now receive an email from the university at the beginning of the semester with a unique benefit code that they can redeem on the Umo app for a four month bus pass. To access the pass, students scan the QR code from their Umo app while commuting on BC Transit.
The reason for this shift rests with BC Transit, as they recently upgraded their fare collection system to the digital Umo mobility app. This decision was made “to align with today’s industry standards and our riders’ expectations.”
This move has shown a number of benefits, specifically that transition to the Umo app has made obtaining the semester pass more efficient. Students no longer line up outside the campus card office to get their U-Pass stickers; now they can redeem the benefit code from the convenience of their homes. Additionally, students will no longer be reliant on their student cards to commute throughout the valley, using their phones to access the Umo app instead.
If you have concerns around the accessibility of the Umo app — for those without a mobile phone or for those who struggle with written instructions — you can request a physical Umo card through the SUS website. Students will be able to use the transit system by tapping their physical Umo card on the scanner when boarding the bus. However, with a physical card, students will no longer be able to use the QR code or access the benefits from the app.
Other services which were previously linked to the U-Pass work the same, just with the Umo app instead. Students can still benefit from student discounts and gain access to the recreation centres by showing their Umo Pass alongside their student IDs.
Changes are a part of the innovation process and our university refuses to be left behind. More information about the change can be found on the UFV SUS website.
