*Important*
Routes, frequency and transit regulations may change at any given time. Please continue to monitor the Niagara Region Transit website for any changes.
Summer 2025 - Information
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Download the Transit App (see buttons below) and register with your NC Student Email - that is the one that ends like: @ncstudents.niagaracollege.ca - on the Niagara Region Transit Portal on the app.
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Register by April 30th, 2025 to get your pass by May 2nd, 2025. You can use your NC Student Card or class timetable to ride the bus from May 1st - May 16th while you wait for your pass to display within the app.
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If you are currently enrolled with the transit app and continuing your studies in May, 2025, your pass will display on the app during the first week of May (use your NC Student Card or timetable until it displays).
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If you are looking to activate your pass after May 16th you will need to come directly to the NCSAC office to do that.
If you have any questions, please come see us in the NCSAC office at either campus:
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Welland Office - SA205
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NOTL/DJP Office - N010
Transit Do's and Don'ts
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DO: Register with your NC Student Email on the Transit App to receive your U-Pass
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DO: Make sure your phone is charged and ready to use
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DON'T: Log in on multiple devices (you will be locked out)
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DON'T: Delete your account and register again if you are not seeing your pass (you will be locked out)
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What is the U-Pass?The U-Pass is a Universal Bus Pass program, which enables eligible Niagara College students, the ability to ride all Niagara Regional Transit buses during their programs of study at Niagara College for a mandatory fee of $280/semester.
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How do I register for my U-Pass?If you are an eligible NC U-Pass student (have paid the mandatory $280 fee in your semester of study), then you simply download the “Transit App” from the Google Play store or the Apple App store: Step 1: Download the Transit App Click here for IOS, Click Here for Android Step 2: Register your Transit App account with your NC Student Email. Your NC Student Email is what allows you to get the NC UPass. Step 3: Register by April 30th to see the pass in your account by May 2nd. You can use your NC Student Card or class timetable to ride the bus until May 16th, 2025.
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Why don’t I see the pass right away after I register?The UPass will take 24hours to show up in your account. We encourage all students to register as soon as possible to have access to the pass for the first day of class.
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Can I opt-out of the U-Pass?The U-Pass is a mandatory fee that all full-time students pay at Niagara College and cannot be refunded. We highly encourage all students to sign-up for your U-Pass even if you drive to campus. It’s a valuable tool if your car breaks down or if you’re out and about with friends. If you’d like more details on this process, please click here:
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How do I access Specialized Transit?If you're a student who is looking for specialized transit, you'll need to apply through this link https://nrtransit.ca/specialized-transit/ When using the service, you will need to use two apps. One app, the NRTPlus App, will be used to book and track your trip. The second app will be the Transit App that holds your UPass. You will use the transit app to show your Upass and scan it once your ride arrives. For more information please visit the link below: Changes coming to NST, NRT OnDemand and FAST - Niagara Region Transit (nrtransit.ca)
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What if I'm on my CO-OP semester?If you are entering a co-op semester, please note that you are not charged for the UPass Fee. If you require the UPass for your co-op, please email either sacreception-nl@niagaracollege.ca for NOTL Campus students, or sacreception-wc@niagaracollege.ca for Welland Campus students with your name, student number, and your request to opt into the UPass for your term. Once you've opted in, the UPass will be charged to your student account.
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Do I have access to the U-Pass in semesters where I am not studying?Only NC students that are enrolled in active classes are eligible for the U-Pass. If you have graduated or are on a “break semester”, you will not be charged for the U-Pass and will not have access to the U-Pass program. You will have to purchase a daily, 31-day or 10-ride pass through Niagara Regional Transit during those times.
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Which buses can I take with my Niagara College U-Pass?All eligible NC U-Pass students can ride any Niagara Regional Transit bus with their U-Pass. The U-Pass also works for students looking to use Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand service. Use of the GO bus in NOT included in your U-Pass fee.
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Does the U-Pass work on the Niagara Falls WEGO buses ?No, a separate pass is required to access WEGO busses.
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I used to take the WEGO Red Line bus, but I can’t find it anymore. Which bus should I take instead?The Niagara Region Transit (NRT) will take over the operation of the WEGO Red Line. This line will be renamed Route 116 (Weekdays) and 216 (Evenings/Weekends) and you can use your UPass to take this bus. Route 116 - Niagara Region Transit (nrtransit.ca)
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Does my U-Pass work on the GO Transit bus?No, your Niagara College U-Pass is valid for the Niagara Regional Transit and local buses branded with Welland, Niagara Falls & St Catherines. It is also valid for Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand transit. The GO Transit (large green buses) buses WILL NOT accept your U-Pass.
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Where can I find transit routes?Routes to campus can be found on Transit App.
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What if I have early morning/late night classes?Niagara Regional Transit offers a robust transit service with many buses starting at 7am and ending service at 10pm.
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What if I do not have a phone to access the pass?Please reach out to jatanguay@niagaracollege.ca if you do not have a phone to access the pass and NCSAC will work together to make sure you get access to the U-Pass.
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What should I do if I have a complaint about the U-Pass service?All students with U-Pass concerns are encouraged to fill out a U-Pass complaint form. Click Here
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How did the students at Niagara College decide to implement the U-Pass?In 2023, NCSAC held a referendum (student vote) where the students at Niagara College approved a mandatory fee with a vote of 74% in favour for a U-Pass. A student referendum is recognized as a Ministry of College & Universities approved process to implement new mandatory ancillary fees at post-secondary institutions across Ontario.