University of Waterloo

Getting started on transit

Here's everything you need to know about taking transit, including using your student card on buses and train, bringing your bike on board, and popular destinations for UW students.

U-Pass

The University of Waterloo has a universal transit pass (U-Pass) program. This means that the Undergraduate and Graduate Students Associations have agreed to universal student participation in exchange for unlimited transit rides at an affordable price. Through the agreements, full-time students enrolled in campuses in Waterloo Region have equal access to transit, which supports equity, accessibility, and sustainability goals shared by our student communities.

Eligible students can use their WatCard for unlimited rides on Grand River Transit. The fee for the U-Pass program is assessed through UW's billing process and the U-Pass is valid for each school term: September to December; January to April; May to August.

Note: Part-time students, faculty, and university staff are not eligible for the U-Pass program.

  • Faculty and university staff are not eligible for the U-Pass program, but are eligible for GRT's Corporate Pass program. 
  • Part-time students can contact their student association to determine if they meet Accommodation criteria, or purchase an EasyGO fare card and load monthly passes or stored value. Fare cards are available from the Turnkey desk.

If you have questions about your eligibility, contact your student association:

MobilityPLUS and U-Passes

Full-time students who use GRT's MobilityPLUS service can pay to ride MobilityPLUS using their U-Pass.

We ask students to provide proof that they are enrolled in a full-time program, for example a tuition receipt. They will then be mailed a paper pass each month.

Contact GRTmplus@regionofwaterloo.ca to get set up.

Lost U-Passes

If you lose your WatCard with a U-Pass, go to the WatCard office to replace your student card.

Pass enforcement

GRT reserves the right to check the validity of a U-Pass and the identity of the user of the U-Pass, and to deny use of the U-Pass. 

Attempted fraudulent use of the U-Pass may result in penalties to students and/or prosecution under applicable legislation

Wilfrid Laurier University

Getting started on transit

Here's everything you need to know about taking transit, including using your student card on buses and train, bringing your bike on board, and popular destinations for WLU students.

U-Pass

Wilfrid Laurier University has a universal transit pass (U-Pass) program. This means that the Students’ Union and Graduate Students Association have agreed to universal student participation in exchange for unlimited transit rides at an affordable price. Through the agreements, all full-time students enrolled in campuses in Waterloo Region have equal access to transit, which supports equity, accessibility, and sustainability goals shared by our student communities.

Eligible students can use their OneCard for unlimited rides on Grand River Transit. The fee for the U-Pass program is assessed through Laurier's billing process and the U-Pass is valid for each school term: September to December; January to April; May to August.

Note:

  • Faculty and university staff are not eligible for the U-Pass program, but are eligible for GRT's Corporate Pass program. 
  • Part-time students can contact their student association to determine if they meet Accommodation criteria, or purchase an EasyGO fare card and load monthly passes or stored value.

If you have questions about your eligibility, contact your student association:

Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union

Wilfrid Laurier University Graduate Students' Association

MobilityPLUS and U-Passes

Full-time students who use GRT's MobilityPLUS service can pay to ride MobilityPLUS using their U-Pass.

We ask students to provide proof that they are enrolled in a full-time program, for example a tuition receipt. They will then be mailed a paper pass each month.

Contact GRTmplus@regionofwaterloo.ca to get set up.

Lost U-Passes

If you lose your OneCard with a U-Pass, go to the OneCard office to replace your student card.

Pass enforcement

GRT reserves the right to check the validity of a U-Pass and the identity of the user of the U-Pass, and to deny use of the U-Pass. 

Attempted fraudulent use of the U-Pass may result in penalties to students and/or prosecution under applicable legislation
Conestoga College students

Getting started on transit

Here's everything you need to know about taking transit, including using your student card on buses and train, bringing your bike on board, and popular destinations for Conestoga College students.

U-Pass

Conestoga College has a universal transit pass (U-Pass) program. This means that Conestoga Students Inc. has agreed to universal student participation in exchange for unlimited transit rides at an affordable price. Through the agreements, all full-time students (including co-op students) enrolled in campuses in Waterloo Region have equal access to transit, which supports equity, accessibility, and sustainability goals shared by our student communities.

Eligible students can use their ONE Card for unlimited rides on Grand River Transit. The fee for the U-Pass program is assessed through Conestoga's billing process and the U-Pass is valid for each school term: September to December; January to April; May to August.

Note:

  • College staff are not eligible for the U-Pass program, but are eligible for GRT's Corporate Pass program. 
  • Part-time students can contact their student association to determine if they meet Accommodation criteria, or purchase an EasyGO fare card and load monthly passes or stored value.

If you have questions about your eligibility, contact Conestoga Students Inc.

Visit the Fares page to see pass costs 

Lost or damaged ONE Cards

If your ONE Card with a U-Pass is lost, stolen, damaged or defective, contact the ONE Card Office. GRT is not responsible for lost or stolen Conestoga College student cards.

MobilityPLUS and U-Passes

Full-time students who use GRT's MobilityPLUS service can pay to ride MobilityPLUS using their U-Pass.

We ask students to provide proof that they are enrolled in a full-time program, for example a tuition receipt. They will then be mailed a paper pass each month.

Contact GRTmplus@regionofwaterloo.ca to get set up.

Pass enforcement

GRT reserves the right to check the validity of a U-Pass and the identity of the user of the U-Pass, and to deny use of the U-Pass. 

Attempted fraudulent use of the U-Pass may result in penalties to students and/or prosecution under applicable legislation
 Pass options for other college students

GRT's College Pass allows unlimited travel on Grand River Transit for four consecutive calendar months: September to December; January to April; May to August.

Who can buy a College Pass?

Full-time students at the following schools are eligible to buy a College Pass:

  • Canadian College of Massage Therapy
  • Emmanuel Bible College
  • Gina's College of Advanced Aesthetics
  • Heritage Baptist College
  • Laurel College
  • Marvel School of Hairstyling
  • Masters Commission of Canada
  • Medix School
  • Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (McMaster)
  • Renison College - ELI Students
  • Top Toques Institute of Culinary Excellence
  • Trillium College
  • triOS College
  • Voila Institute of Hair Design
  • Westervelt College

Purchasing the College Pass

The College Pass can be purchased at GRT customer service. The pass will be loaded on the EasyGO fare card.

The College Pass is non-refundable and not transferrable.

Visit the Fares page to see pass costs

Replacing a College Pass

Your EasyGO fare card will be registered when you pick it up. If you lose your card, report it so that it can be blocked and your pass can be replaced.