Back-to-School with TransLink
Back-to-school is one of the busiest times of year for our transportation network. Whether it's your first year on campus, or you're back for a new school year, TransLink is here to get you to campus and back, or anywhere in between.
Most students in Metro Vancouver commute via transit, biking, walking or rolling to class. By choosing to leave the car at home, you’re not only saving on parking fees, reducing congestion and joining a community of fellow commuters, you’re also able to leave the driving to us so you can focus on things more important than traffic.
We’ve got some tips and resources to get you where you want to go.
Transit Service Map for Post-Secondary Schools
Let TransLink take you to school this fall! We serve all major post-secondary institutions in Metro Vancouver. Find the best transit route by selecting your school on the map and using the "Take transit here" link.
Post-Secondary Schools
U-Pass BC
If you are attending one of 10 public post-secondary institutions in Metro Vancouver, you may be eligible for the highly discounted U-Pass BC transit pass with access to Bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus across the region, and discounted fares on West Coast Express.
A U-Pass BC provides students with savings of over $150 each month off the cost of a three-zone monthly transit pass. U-Pass BC is available through partnerships with the Province of BC, schools, their student associations, and is included in the student fees of eligible students.
Attending a private college or university?
The U-Pass BC program is only available to publicly funded post-secondary institutions in Metro Vancouver. Students of private institutions should not purchase a U-Pass BC second-hand, as it can only be used by the student it was issued to. For more information, visit our Pricing and Fare Zones page.
Load your U-Pass BC onto your Compass Card
Link your card and request your U-Pass BC each month before you travel. Don’t forget to tap your card on each trip!
More Information
Visit the U-Pass BC Page for more information, such as participating schools and frequently asked questions.
Bike, Walk, Ride, Roll to Campus this Fall
More people than ever are travelling by bike in Metro Vancouver. Walking, cycling or rolling can be the fastest way of getting from A to B, especially in urban areas and on campus. TransLink is committed to making cycling comfortable, safe and convenient for everyone, and partners with local governments to fund bike routes and amenities.
You can bring your bike on almost all of our transit systems. Bike right to your classes, or park your bike at transit stops and have transit take you the rest of the way. Shared mobility and bike share options are also available at some campuses. For further information on cycling with TransLink, check out more resources below.
Bike Parking at Transit Stations
Only need your bike for a portion of your trip? We have bike parking solutions at most of our transit stations and exchanges.
Bikes on Transit
Take your bike on almost all transit services, including bus, SkyTrain, and West Coast Express (with some restrictions), making it easy to get to class and back.
Cycling in Metro Vancouver
Find resources like our regional cycling maps and learn about how we’re investing in improving accessibility and safety in your community.
Back to School for K-12 Students
Dust off your bike, lace up your shoes, and load up your Compass Card to make getting to school easier than ever.
This back-to-school season, explore TransLink’s programs and services designed specifically for children and youth to make every trip safe, simple, and sustainable.
Kids (0-12ys) Ride Transit for Free
Kids 12 and under can ride on all transit services free of charge. If travelling unaccompanied, kids can request assistance at the fare gates.
Youth (13-18yrs) Ride at a Reduced Rate
Freedom is one tap away! Youth aged 13-18 can tap their orange concession card for a discounted fare on all transit services.
TravelSmart4Kids Program
TransLink is leading the charge to make sustainable travel options accessible for every child and family. Find resources, videos, programs, and more to get inspired and active.
Back-to-School Tips
If it's your first time taking transit, or you're a transit expert, a new school year is a great time to get familiar with our services. We’re ready to welcome you aboard!
Tip #1 - Load your U-Pass BC
Remember to link your Compass Card and request your U-Pass BC each month before you travel.
Tip #2 - Plan your trip
Transit schedules are adjusted quarterly. Plan your trip to school in advance with our Trip Planner. Don’t be afraid to try new options, you might find your new go-to commute.
Tip #3 - Transit Alerts
Register for Transit Alerts and receive notifications about your favourite bus routes and transit services.
Tip #4 - Transit is for everyone
Our transit system is fully accessible to people with different types of mobility needs, enabling everyone to travel by bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express.
Back-to-School with the Buzzer Blog
Our social team has some back-to-school resources for students of all ages. Check them out on the Buzzer Blog!
Back-to-school essentials for the transit rider
Here are some essentials for the transit rider to help you prepare for back-to-school.
How to load your U-Pass BC
Eligible for a U-Pass BC? Learn how to set up and load your U-Pass BC with this helpful guide.
Surviving the first week back-to-school!
Can you hear the back-to-school bells ringing? It’s the last weekend before Metro Vancouver heads back to the books, lectures and the daily hustle!
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up for our TransLink Monthly Updates newsletter for a chance to win monthly prizes and to stay current on projects, service changes, events, and more!
Transit Schedules
Quickly look up scheduled times for a specific bus stop, bus route, SkyTrain line, or station.
