Your WatCard is your ticket to transit in Waterloo Region!
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.
If you're a full-time student enrolled at a campus in Waterloo Region, the U-Pass is automatically added to your WatCard. It's good for unlimited trips on all GRT buses and ION light rail each semester.
If you have questions about your eligibility, contact your student association:
Using your WatCard on transit
On the bus
Tap your WatCard on the farebox when you board. The smart card reader is the blue-green rectangle on the lower right corner of the farebox. Hold your card level and square against the card reader and wait for the farebox to ding.
On the train
There are platform card readers at each end of every ION station. Tap your WatCard on the platform validator before you board the train. You can also tap on the fare vending machine in the middle of the platform by selecting "Pay/validate your ION trip".
When you tap your card, the screen will show "UW Undergrad U-Pass" or "UW Grad U-Pass".
Card issues
If your WatCard doesn't work or if your card is lost/stolen, contact the WatCard office.
Did you just get your new WatCard? It may take up to 2 business days for your U-Pass to work on all GRT buses and ION light rail.
| Destination | What's there | How to get there on transit |
|---|---|---|
| Conestoga Mall | Grocery store, movie theatre, shopping | Route 301 ION light rail Route 201 iXpress Fischer-Hallman |
| Westmount Place | Asian grocery store | Route 202 iXpress University Route 12 Westmount |
| Bridgeport Plaza | Grocery store, home decor |
Route 12 Westmount (becomes Route 8 Weber at University/King)
Route 29 Keats-University |
| Uptown Waterloo | Grocery store, shopping, nightlife | Route 301 ION light rail |
| The Boardwalk | Movie theatre, home decor, shopping |
Route 202 iXpress University |
| St. Jacobs Market | Food and craft vendors | Route 19 Hazel |
Map of platforms and stops at University of Waterloo Station
Need to travel somewhere else? Use our trip planner to plan your trip.
Schedules and real-time information
You can find bus and train schedules on our Schedules page, or find real-time bus departure information by using an app like Transit or Google Maps.
How to ride the train
Tap your WatCard on the platform card reader at the end of the platform.
Stand on the platform behind the yellow line. The train doors will line up with the black sections of the platform. Stand back from the doors to allow other passengers to exit before you board.
Each upcoming station will be announced and shown on the displays inside the train. The train will stop at each station, so you don't need to signal your stop.
How to ride the bus
Finding your bus stop
All bus stops have a stop marker with the 4-digit stop number. There are two styles of bus stop marker:
To find out when the bus will arrive:
- Text the four-digit stop number to 57555. You'll get a text back with the next three departures from your stop.
- Call 519-585-7555, select option 1, and enter your four-digit stop number.
- Use a mobile app like Transit or Google Maps and select your stop.
Note: Standard rates for text messaging from your service provider will apply. No additional fees for this service will be charged by GRT.
Boarding the bus
Stand next to the bus stop marker to let the driver know you want to board. When you board, tap your WatCard on the farebox.
Exiting the bus
All GRT buses have automated stop announcements and display the next stop. When you hear or see the name of your stop, pull the yellow cord or press the red stop button to let the driver know you want to get off.
Exit through the rear door if you can. Wait for the green light above the doors to light up, then hold your hand in front of the sticker to open the doors.
More info on how to ride, or check out our video about how to ride GRT.
Bicycles on transit
Bicycles are welcome on all GRT buses in the bike rack. You can also bring your bicycle on board the train by standing with it in the priority seating area. Always walk/hold on to your bike at station platforms and at bus stops; do not ride on platforms.