Transit passes
There are a variety of transit pass options available to help make transit accessible to everyone in our community.
University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus
In 2007, students at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus voted for a mandatory U-PASS program that has provided them with a discounted semester transit pass, as well as significant improvements to transit, which has benefited the entire community.
On November 4 and 5, 2015, UBC Okanagan students voted in approval of a fare increase for their U-PASS. It was proposed that starting in September 2016 the U-PASS would cost $63 per semester instead of the former $60.
Fare increases are necessary to fund transit improvements and better meet student needs. The approved U-PASS rate increase matched an increase in transit fares system-wide. Increasing fares from time to time helps to cover some of the increases in operating expenses and allows transit service expansions to keep occurring.
U-Pass is not currently in place at Okanagan College. Students may purchase a separate post-secondary semester pass or month pass through the students' union.
For more information about the U-PASS, visit bctransit.com.
ProPASS is a discounted transit pass program that helps workplaces make commuting easier and more affordable for employees. Participants sign up for at least four months, with the cost deducted from their payroll.
Once enrolled, employees receive 30-Day Pass redemption codes to activate their passes through the Umo app or on a reloadable card. Workplaces with five or more participants are eligible for a 15% discount on transit passes, offering a great way to encourage sustainable commuting.
Visit bctransit.com, email [email protected], or call 250-995-5682 to learn more.
The Class Rides Free program offers youth the chance to learn about local transit through hands-on experience. By introducing them to the transit system at an early age, we increase the likelihood that they will view transit as a responsible transportation option into adulthood. This program is available to teachers in School District 23, allowing each class to take two transit trips per year. Select trips are also available for organizations that provide out-of-school programming for youth.
Transportation is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and significantly impacts air quality in our region, resulting in poor health and reduced quality of life for residents of the Central Okanagan. By choosing transit and other sustainable transportation options, we can all contribute to protecting the region we love.
How do I sign up?
To participate in the program, please complete the online application form.
Class Rides Free Application Form
Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the scheduled trip. Teachers are encouraged to use the transit schedules and maps available on the BC Transit website to plan their trips.
To ensure comfortable travel for all riders, approvals are available for trips scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 people (or 25 including standees) on routes with full-sized buses and up to 10 people on routes with smaller community buses. Additional restrictions may apply on busier routes (such as 1, 8, and 97) or during peak travel times. Each request will be carefully reviewed, and while we do our best to meet every need, approval depends on available capacity.
Approved applicants will receive an email containing their travel itinerary and an attached trip approval letter, which must be printed and presented to the bus drivers.
Questions?
If you have questions about scheduling, bus capacity, or bus stop locations, please call 250-469-8733 or email [email protected].
The Companion Pass program was created to allow designated caretakers or companions of individuals with disabilities to ride conventional transit free of charge when accompanying that individual.
The Companion Pass is only eligible for use on Kelowna Regional Transit when the caretaker is accompanying a person with disabilities. The individual with disabilities is required to have a valid transit pass. The Companion Pass cannot be used on its own.
Who can apply?
- Individual caretakers can apply for a Companion Pass.
- Organizations can apply for Companion Passes on behalf of their employees who provide caretaker services.
- Schools, both public and independent, may apply as part of a resource program to provide public transportation training for students.
How to apply?
A Companion Pass can be obtained by filling out the online application form.
Companion Pass Application Form
For organizations (caretaker services), if this is a first-time application, please also submit a letter from the organization or company verifying your role as a trainer or companion for a person with disabilities. This letter is not required for returning applicants.
Should your application be approved, staff will arrange for the distribution of the Companion Pass, which will be valid for one year.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Companion Pass program, please call 250-469-8733 or email [email protected].
For information on standard transit fares, visit bctransit.com.
BC Transit launched Umo in the Kelowna Regional Transit System in March 2024, introducing the Umo Mobility app, reloadable Umo cards, and improved fare products.
Riders who have not yet transitioned to a Umo payment method and fare product can visit bctransit.com/umo for a comprehensive introduction to adopting Umo. Fare products can be loaded in the Umo app, to a reloadable Umo card online at ca.umopass.com, at a BC Transit Umo retail vendor location, or through Umo customer service toll-free at 877-380-8181.
