U-Pass Information
Arc Card Information for Students
Where can I get an Arc Card?
University of Alberta students can purchase a new or replacement Arc Card at SUBmart or at other participating retailers.
We recommend that you register your card on the U-Pass App as soon as possible. Every newly purchased Arc Card will have enough funds to cover your first trip while you wait for your U-Pass to become active.
At the start of the term, it can take up to 7 days for your card to register as "Active" on the U-Pass App. Students who do not have an active Arc Card must pay the appropriate fare to use transit.
If you already have a working Arc Card, you do not need to purchase a new one. The same card will be functional as long as you have been assessed the U-Pass fee on Bear Tracks.
U-Pass Validity
U-Pass is valid for the following dates:
- Fall Semester: August 25 - December 31
- Winter Semester: January 1 - April 30
- Spring/Summer Semester: May 1 - August 31
You may see an alert that your Arc Card is low on funds near the end of the semester's validity period. As long as your U-Pass for the following semester is Active on the U-Pass App, this alert will stop at the start of the new validity period.
U-Pass Eligibility
If you have not been assessed the U-Pass fee but believe you meet the eligibility criteria to receive one, you may opt-in to the fee using the Service Request Form on the Office of the Registrar's website.
More details on ETS's new Arc system can be found here.
For more information on U-Pass and how it works, visit ualberta.ca.