Fall 2024 Term Opt-Out Period: Aug. 30, 2024 – Sept. 25, 2024

Winter 2025 Term Opt-Out Period: Dec. 27, 2024 – Jan. 23, 2025

The Criteria for opting-out of the U-Pass are listed below, as agreed upon by Winnipeg Transit, the City of Winnipeg, and the University of Manitoba

A. I commute from a residence outside the City of Winnipeg boundaries throughout the Term
Document 1:
– Valid driver’s license
 
Document 2: – ONE of the following  
– Tenancy agreement (dated within the term you are opting-out from)
– Pay Statement 
– Bill (hydro, water, electricity)
– Phone Bill 
– Debit/Credit card statement
 
*Second document must be issued within the past thirty (30) days and have a matching name and address as your drivers license. 
 
*Note: The second document must be from a different source than the primary document – MPI bills or statements, MB Health  Cards, void cheque, online order receipts, property tax statements, or letters will not be accepted as the second document. 
 
**Opt-outs under this category will only be accepted if they fall under the reasonable commute boundary set by Winnipeg Transit. Please see reasonable commute boundary list at the bottom of the page.
B. I am registered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)

Upload an image of your CNIB card

C. I am an employee of Winnipeg Transit

Upload written confirmation of your employment on official letterhead.

D. I am participating in a co-operative work program or practicum placement for at least 60 days during the Term

Upload written confirmation on official UM letterhead from your Co-Op or Practicum Office, clearly indicating start and end dates of placement and location of practicum placement. 

E. I am studying outside of Canada for at least 60 days during the Term

Upload written confirmation on official UM letterhead from your program, clearly indicating start and end dates and location.

F. I am participating in an internship, conducting research, or writing my thesis outside the City of Winnipeg boundaries as part of a program of studies according to the University for at least 60 days during the Term

Upload written confirmation on official UM letterhead from your program, clearly indicating start and end dates and location.

*Note: if you are a Graduate student conducting research or doing your thesis outside the City of Winnipeg you have to use this category

G. I have a valid U-Pass from another Post-Secondary Institution in the City of Winnipeg

Upload a copy of your fee assessment from the other institution clearly showing the U-Pass fee, and provide the serial number of your U-Pass.

H. I am a registered user of Handi-Transit

Upload an image of your Handi-Transit card.

Additional Information

Before requesting an opt-out, check your Aurora tuition fee statement to see if you have been charged for the U-Pass. If you have not been charged the U-Pass fee, you do not have to request an opt-out.

While UMSU is responsible for adjudicating your request against established criteria, the criteria are not at the sole discretion of UMSU. For this reason, not all opt out requests can be granted. Note that the following are examples of opt-out request reasons which are not acceptable and will not be approved:

  • I walk / cycle / carpool to campus
  • I drive to campus / I purchased a U of M Parking Pass
  • I live in Residence
  • I don’t take the bus
  • I’m not satisfied with the transit services offered in my neighborhood
  • I live in the city but do not come to campus as I am just doing research
  • Please note that all opt-out applications and supporting documentation must be submitted during the opt-out period.
  • Late submissions will not be accepted. The opt-out form will close on Jan. 23 at 4pm

Fee Removal

When you submit your application online, you will receive a response from the U-Pass Committee once they have reached their decision regarding your application. Please DO NOT contact UMSU about the status of your application, as we are unable to provide status updates. Approved applicants will have their U-Pass Fee removed before tuition is due; if you have already paid your tuition including this fee, you will see a credit on your account. Students not returning for a future term can speak to the University Cashier’s office once this credit appears.

If you have been approved for an opt-out for the Fall term under category A (commute from a residence outside the City of Winnipeg), your opt-out is valid for the academic year and do not need to reapply for the Winter term. The U-Pass fee is not removed from approved students’ accounts until after the course revision deadline in either Term, as students may alter their registration and eligibility for the U-Pass during this time. This means that if you are approved to opt-out for the full year in September, you will still see the U-Pass fee on your Winter tuition until the Winter course revision deadline. 

For any questions please contact u-pass@umsu.ca and include your name and student number in the subject.

Opt-Out Application
Reasonable Commute Times