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How to access your U-Pass

  • U-Passes are released on a per-semester basis and are valid during the following periods:
    • Fall semester: September 1 to December 31.
    • Winter semester: January 1 to April 30.
    • Spring/summer semester: May 1 to August 31. 
  • If you do not have a physical PRESTO card or a phone that is compatible with near field communication (NFC), email upass@ontariotechu.ca for further assistance.
  • The U-Pass fee will be removed for students who withdraw from full-time studies or drop to a part-time course load.
  • Please remember that your U-Pass is for your use only. It is not transferable. Misuse of your U-Pass may result in the cancellation of your pass.

Redeem your U-Pass voucher

You can access your U-Pass using either a physical PRESTO card or PRESTO in Mobile Wallet (for Apple and Android devices). 

Please refer to our how-to video below for instructions on how to redeem your U-Pass voucher for a PRESTO card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet:

Click on either tab below for step-by-step instructions on redeeming your voucher code on your physical or digital card.

  • Step 1: Wait to receive your U-Pass voucher code via email

    At the start of each semester, full-time students who are registered in a qualifying program will receive their U-Pass voucher code via email. The email will be sent to your ontariotechu.net email address.

    Eligible, full-time students who register in a full-time course load after the semester begins, will receive their voucher code within 1 to 2 business days after registering for courses.

     

  • Step 2: Ensure you meet the device requirements

    You must meet the following device requirements to use your U-Pass with a digital PRESTO card:

    • A phone that supports NFC and
    • iOS 16.4 or later. 

    OR

    • Android 7.0 or higher.

    If your phone does not meet these requirements, please navigate to the Physical PRESTO cards tab on this page.

  • Step 3: Download the PRESTO app

    Download the PRESTO app

  • Step 4: Create a PRESTO account, if you do not already have one
    If this is your first time using PRESTO, sign up in the app using your email address. This does not need to be your ontariotechu.net email.
  • Step 5: Sign in to the PRESTO app
    Sign in to the PRESTO app on your phone.
  • Step 6: Register your card to your account, if you have not already done so

    For PRESTO in Apple Wallet: 

    1. Tap the Add Card button on the home screen in the PRESTO app.
    2. Under Register Card, tap PRESTO in Apple Wallet.
    3. Tap the Register Card button.
    4. Select the PRESTO card you want to register and follow the prompts.

    For PRESTO in Google Wallet:

    1. Tap the Add Card button on the home screen in the PRESTO app.
    2. Tap Add an Existing PRESTO in Google Wallet card and follow the prompts.

    For physical cards:

    1. Tap the Add Card button on the home screen in the PRESTO app.
    2. Under Register Card, tap Physical PRESTO card.
    3. Tap the Register Card button and follow the prompts.
  • Step 7: Convert your existing physical card or add a new one in your mobile wallet

    Follow the steps on PRESTO's website to convert your physical PRESTO card or add a new card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Once you convert your physical card, it will be cancelled and you will no longer be able to use it.

    You will need an internet connection to convert your physical card.

    Do not convert your card during a trip. Finish your trip and make sure that your transfer window has ended before converting your card.

    Do not convert your card if your phone does not meet the device requirements mentioned in Step 2.

  • Step 8: Redeem your voucher

    To redeem your voucher:

    1. Return to the home screen in the PRESTO app.
    2. Select the card you want to load your pass onto.
    3. Scroll down and tap the Enter Voucher Code button.
    4. Enter the voucher code you received via email and tap Next.
    5. Review your voucher details, then tap Next and Done. 

    Please note: U-Pass vouchers cannot be redeemed before the following dates:

    • September 1- fall semester.
    • January 1 - winter semester.
    • May 1 - spring/summer semester.
  • Step 9: Access and use your U-Pass voucher

    Once your U-Pass voucher has been redeemed, it will appear under the Card Details section in the PRESTO app. Your pass will be available for use immediately.

    Simply tap your phone on a PRESTO device when boarding the bus. If using an Android, you will need to wake your phone before tapping it on the reader.

    An internet connection is not required to tap your digital PRESTO card to travel.

  • Step 1: Wait to receive your U-Pass voucher code via email

    At the start of each semester, full-time students who are registered in a qualifying program will receive their U-Pass voucher code via email. The email will be sent to your ontariotechu.net email address.

    Eligible, full-time students who register in a full-time course load after the semester begins, will receive their voucher code within 1 to 2 business days after registering for courses.

  • Step 2: Create a PRESTO account, if you do not already have one

    If this is your first time using PRESTO, create an account using your email address. This does not need to be your ontariotechu.net email address.

    Create your PRESTO account

  • Step 3: Sign in to your account

    Sign in to your account on PRESTO's website. This cannot be done using the PRESTO app. 

    Sign in to your PRESTO account

  • Step 4: Register your card to your account

    On your account dashboard:

    1. Click Register a physical card.
    2. Enter your 17-digit card number and 3-digit verification number found on the back of your card.
    3. Click Next.
    4. Create a 4-digit PIN and nickname for your card and click Next.
    5. Verify the information and click Add Card.
  • Step 5: Redeem your voucher

    To redeem your voucher:

    1. Return to the dashboard and select the card you want to load your pass onto.
    2. In the left navigation menu, click Redeem Voucher.
    3. Enter your voucher code and follow the prompts.

    Please note:

    • It takes 4 to 7 hours after redeeming your voucher for it to become available for use.
    • U-Pass vouchers cannot be redeemed before the following dates:
      • September 1- fall semester.
      • January 1 - winter semester.
      • May 1 - spring/summer semester.
  • Step 6: Activate and use your U-Pass voucher

    After the waiting period (4 to 7 hours) has passed, tap your physical card on a PRESTO device to activate your voucher.

    Be sure to tap your card within 30 days after redeeming your voucher.


Helpful tips

Android devices

Android devices

  • Turn on NFC in your device settings to pay your fare with PRESTO in Google Wallet.
  • Ensure that your device has sufficient battery power when paying for transit. You will be required to pay your fare out of pocket if your battery dies.
  • To pay for transit with your U-Pass, wake your phone and hold it near the PRESTO reader until you see a checkmark.

If you lose your Android device, follow the steps below to recover your PRESTO card in Google Wallet:

  1. Open the Google Wallet app on your new device and select your PRESTO card.
  2. Select the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
  3. Scroll down and select Move card to another device. This will allow you to deactivate your PRESTO card and then reactivate it after the factory reset is complete.
  4. Once the factory reset is complete, install the Google Wallet app and select Activate.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to reactivate your card.
Please note: These steps cannot be completed if your card has not been registered to your PRESTO account.
Apple devices

Apple devices

  • With Express Mode enabled, you will not need to wake or unlock your iPhone or authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode when tapping your phone on a PRESTO reader. Simply tap your phone on the reader to pay with your U-Pass.
  • Express Mode also allows you to use your PRESTO card for up to five hours if your iPhone's battery is low.
  • If you choose not to enable Express Mode, you will need to double-press the side button on your iPhone or authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode to use your pass.
If you lose your Apple device, your PRESTO card will be suspended once you report your device as lost in the Find My app. Follow these steps to reactivate your PRESTO card:
  1. Log into your iCloud account, select the person icon in the top right corner and select Manage Apple Account.
  2. Tap the drop-down arrow beside Apple Account, then tap Devices.
  3. Select your lost device, navigate to the Wallet & Apple Pay section and tap Remove Items.
  4. Follow the prompts to remove your cards from Apple Wallet.
  5. Sign in with your Apple ID on your new device.
  6. Open Apple Wallet and tap the plus icon. 
  7. Select Previous Cards and follow the prompts.

Please note: These steps cannot be completed if your card has not been registered to your PRESTO account.

Physical PRESTO cards

Physical PRESTO cards

Watch our how-to video below for instructions on how to cancel your lost or damaged PRESTO card and transfer your balance to your new card.

Visit PRESTO's website for more information on reporting a lost card.

Please note: Your card must be registered to your account before you can report it as lost.

If you experience any issues with replacing your card, please call the PRESTO Contact Centre at 1-877-378-6123.

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