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Back-to-School with TransLink

A young woman looking out of the window of a bus

Back-to-school is one of the busiest times of year on transit. Whether you're a new or returning student, we've got some tips and resources to help get your trip on track.

By taking transit – instead of driving – you’re taking one of the biggest steps to reduce your carbon footprint.

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    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

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    U-Pass BC

    Did you know that you might be eligible to receive a heavily discounted transit pass?

    Through U-Pass BC, eligible students contribute to the program as part of their student fees. By having everyone contribute to the program, students can save $140 monthly off the cost of a three-zone pass.

    Load your U-Pass BC onto your Compass Card

    Link your card and request your U-Pass BC each month before you travel.

    More Information

    Visit the U-Pass BC Page for more information, such as participating schools and frequently asked questions.


    Kids 12 and Under Ride Free

    A family of four waiting for the bus in Kitsilano

    TransLink services are free for children 12 and under as part of a new provincial program. This change makes it easier and more affordable for families in and around Metro Vancouver. For details, please visit our Pricing and Fare Zones page.

    See additional resources for Kids Under 12

    Back-to-School Tips

    As schools plan for a return to on-campus study this fall, we’re ready to welcome students back to transit.

    Tip #1 - Load your U-Pass

    Upass BC Icon

    Remember to link your Compass Card and request your U-Pass BC each month before you travel. 

    Tip #2 - Plan your trip

    Plan your Trip

    Transit schedules are adjusted quarterly. Plan your trip to school in advance with our Trip Planner.

    Tip #3 - Transit Alerts

    Transit Alerts Icon

    Register for Transit Alerts and receive notifications about your favourite bus routes and transit services. 

    Tip #4 - Transit is for everyone

    Wheelchair icon

    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!

    10 transit life-hacks you’ll probably wish you knew about sooner

    A young woman on the bus looking at her phone while standing and holding a stanchion

    You will be today-years-old after learning about some of these transit life-hacks!

    Back-to-school essentials for the transit rider

    A transit user putting their laptop into their backpack in front of Coquitlam Central Station

    Here are some essentials for the transit rider to help you prepare for back-to-school.

    How to load your U-Pass

    A passenger checks the U-Pass website on their mobile device while on the bus

    Elligible for a U-Pass? Learn how to set up and load your U-Pass with this helpful guide.

    Follow these etiquette tips when riding transit

    Painting of fantasy characters riding the SkyTrain–a knight gives her seat to an old woman

    Emily Carr University of Art + Design students continue to wow us with their creativity — now with these illustrated posters portraying good and not-so-great etiquette on transit.

    Your guide to riding transit as a post-secondary student

    A group of post-secondary students wearing backpacks boarding the 99 bus

    New semester, new classes, new instructors and new classmates, but still the same transit you've come to rely on.

    Kids 12 and under ride free

    Two siblings under the age of 12 waiting for the bus

    As part of a new provincial program, children 12 and under ride TransLink services free of charge.

    Everything you need to know about returning to class

    A young man wearing a mask looking out the window of the bus

    That first day back in class is always nerve-racking. Will you like your classmates? Is your instructor going to be fair? How will you find your classroom?

    Get active and choose active travel to and from school

    A group of elementary school students boarding a bus with their teacher

    Taking public transit to and from school is a great way to get some fresh air, exercise, and a feeling of independence!

    Surviving the first week back-to-school!

    Two post-secondary aged students laughing while riding the bus

    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

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    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!

    New Transit Schedules

    A woman reading the bus stop schedule on the bus stop pole for the #2 Macdonald bus

    We recently re-designed our online transit schedules tool based on feedback from customers. Now you can search for any bus route, or service directly from our Schedules and Maps page.