By taking transit – instead of driving – you’re taking one of the biggest steps to reduce your carbon footprint.
Back-to-School with TransLink
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.
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
Visit our team at a school near you!
Our outreach team will be at select back-to-school orientations this fall to answer any questions you might have about transit. Drop by at one of our events listed below!
BCIT Clubs Day
Where: Great Hall, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby
Date and Time: Thursday, Sept. 8, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Emily Carr Clubs Day
Where: Outside southeast entrance (or cafeteria if raining), 520 E 1st Ave, Vancouver
Date and Time: Thursday, Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m.
UBC Clubs Fair
Where: Outreach Bus outside Student Nest, 6133 University Blvd, Vancouver
Date and Time: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kwantlen - Surrey Campus
Where: 12666 72 Ave, Surrey
Date and Time: Tuesday, Oct. 4, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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
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.
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
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.
Tip #3 - Masks are welcome
Masks are welcome while onboard bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services based on individual levels of comfort.
Tip #4 – Transit etiquette
Stay home when unwell, avoid touching your face, and cough/sneeze into your elbow.
Tip #5 - Transit Alerts
Register for Transit Alerts and receive notifications about your favourite bus routes and transit services.
Tip #6 - Active transportation
Walking and/or cycling combined with transit is great for your health, the environment, and helps reduce congestion on transit and on the road.
Tip #7 - 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!
10 transit life-hacks you’ll probably wish you knew about sooner
You will be today-years-old after learning about some of these transit life-hacks!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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!
New Transit Schedules
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.