Skip to main content

Access your U-Pass

Important information:

  • DRT only: Your U-Pass is valid only on Durham Region Transit (DRT). You must pay your fare when travelling with any other transit agency.
  • One Fare savings: Once you redeem your U-Pass voucher and start your trip on DRT, you are eligible for discounted GO Transit fares and free transfers to other transit agencies via the One Fare program. 
  • Eligibility: If you receive the U-Pass as a full-time student and later drop to part-time status or withdraw from your studies, the U-Pass fee will be removed from your tuition account and your pass will be deactivated. For reinstatement options, please email upass@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Non-transferable: Your U-Pass is for your use only. Misuse may result in its cancellation.

How to redeem your voucher

You can access your U-Pass using either a physical or digital PRESTO card:

  • New digital cards: Adding a card to your Apple or Google Wallet? Redeem your voucher via the PRESTO app.
  • Existing cards: Already have a digital or physical card? Redeem your voucher via the PRESTO website or app.
  • Physical cards: If you prefer using a physical card, do not add it to your Apple or Google Wallet. This will permanently deactivate your plastic card.
  • No smartwatches: Your U-Pass is not compatible with smartwatches. If you have a digital card, you must use your smartphone.

 Click on the tabs below for instructions on redeeming your voucher code using the PRESTO app or website:

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

    If you register in a full-time course load before the semester starts, your voucher code will be sent to your ontariotechu.net email address closer to the start of the term.

    If you register after the semester has already started, your voucher code will be emailed to you within one business day of your registration.

    If you've registered for courses and the U-Pass fee hasn't been charged to your account, please email upass@ontariotechu.ca for assistance. 

  • Step 2: Ensure you meet the device requirements

    If your phone doesn't meet the following requirements, you'll need to use a physical PRESTO card. These can be purchased at customer service outlets such as Shoppers Drug Mart.

    Android phones
    • NFC: Your phone must support NFC and run Android 7.0 or higher. Follow the instructions in the Google Wallet Help Centre to enable NFC.

    • Latest software: Ensure you have the latest versions of Google Wallet and Google Play Services installed.

    • Region settings: Your device country must be set to Canada. To update this:
      1. Open the Google Play Store app.
      2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings.
      3. Select General, then Account and device preferences.
      4. Select Country and profiles, find your name and country and follow the prompts to change the country. You must add a valid payment method.
    iPhones
    • NFC: Your phone must support NFC and run iOS 16.4 or later. 
      • Tip: If you already use Apple Pay, your phone is NFC-compatible.
      • If you've never used Apple Pay, check your iPhone's tech specifications under Cellular and Wireless.

    • Security settings: To use NFC/Apple Pay, you must have two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple account and Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode set on your device. 

    • Region settings: Your device country must be set to Canada. To update this:
      1. Open the Settings app.
      2. Tap your name, then Media and Purchases.
      3. Tap View Account, then Country/Region.
      4. Follow the prompts.
  • Step 3: Download the PRESTO app

    Download the PRESTO app

  • Step 4: Create a PRESTO account, if you don't already have one

    If this is your first time using PRESTO, sign up in the app using your personal email address.

  • Step 5: Sign in to the PRESTO app
    Sign in to the PRESTO app using the account you created in Step 4.
  • Step 6: Register your PRESTO card, if you haven't already done so
    1. On the dashboard, tap the Add Card button.
    2. Under Register an Existing Card, select Physical PRESTO, PRESTO in Apple Wallet or PRESTO in Google Wallet.
    3. Tap the Add Card button and follow the prompts.
  • Step 7: Convert your existing physical card or add a new digital one

    If you would like to convert your physical PRESTO card to a digital one, do it before redeeming your voucher. Once you convert a physical card to a digital one, the plastic card is permanently cancelled and cannot be used again.

    To convert your physical card or add a new digital one, select the button below that corresponds with your mobile wallet:

    Apple Wallet   Google Wallet

    Tip: Always use the PRESTO app when adding a new digital card. Do not use the Add Transit Card option directly in your Apple or Google Wallet.

    If you experience any issues, take a look at the common errors in the Tips and tricks section below.

    Important to note:

    • You will need an internet connection to convert your physical card.
    • Do not convert your card if your phone does not meet the device requirements listed in Step 2.
    • Do not convert your card while you are currently travelling. This can cause issues with your U-Pass. Finish your trip and make sure your transfer window has ended before converting your card.
  • Step 8: Redeem your voucher
    1. On the dashboard in the PRESTO app, select the card you want to load your pass onto.
    2. Scroll down and tap the Enter Voucher Code button.
    3. Enter the voucher code you received via email and tap Next.
    4. Review your voucher details, then tap Next and Done. 
    5. Your U-Pass will appear under the Card Details section in the PRESTO app.
    Please note: While the pass is added to your card immediately, it cannot be used before the following dates:
    • September 1 - fall semester.
    • January 1 - winter semester.
    • May 1 - spring/summer semester.
  • Step 9: Tap your card to use your U-Pass

    Simply tap your phone or physical card on a PRESTO device when boarding the bus.

    • Android users: Wake your phone before tapping it on the reader.
    • iPhone users: If you have Express Mode enabled, you don't need to wake or unlock your phone—just tap and go.
    • No Data? No Problem: An internet connection is not required to tap your digital PRESTO card when you travel.
  • Step 1: Wait to receive your U-Pass voucher code via email

    If you register in a full-time course load before the semester starts, your voucher code will be sent to your ontariotechu.net email address closer to the start of the term.

    If you register after the semester has already started, your voucher code will be emailed to you within one business day of your registration.

    If you've registered for courses and the U-Pass fee hasn't been charged to your account, please email upass@ontariotechu.ca for assistance. 

  • Step 2: Create a PRESTO account, if you don't already have one

    If this is your first time using PRESTO, click the button below to create a PRESTO account using your personal email address:

    Create your PRESTO account

  • Step 3: Sign in to your PRESTO account

    Sign in to your PRESTO account

  • Step 6: Register your PRESTO card, if you haven't already done so

    Digital card users: Register your card in the PRESTO app.

    Physical card users: Follow the steps below to register your card on the PRESTO website:

    1. On your account dashboard, go to the My Products tab.
    2. Scroll down to the Register Your Cards section and click Add a Card.
    3. Select PRESTO Card.
    4. Enter your 17-digit card number and 3-digit verification number found on the back of your card.
    5. Enter a 4-digit PIN and nickname for your card.
    6. Select Register Card and follow the prompts.
  • Step 5: Redeem your voucher

    Important: If you load your voucher onto a physical PRESTO card, do not convert it to a digital card. This may cause issues with your pass.

    To redeem your voucher:

    1. Click the menu icon in the top right corner.
    2. Select My Account, then Redeem Voucher.
    3. At the top of the screen, select the card you want to load your voucher onto.
    4. Enter your voucher code, click Redeem and follow the prompts.
    Please note: While the pass is added to your card immediately, it cannot be used before the following dates:
    • September 1 - fall semester.
    • January 1 - winter semester.
    • May 1 - spring/summer semester.
  • Step 6: Tap your card to use your U-Pass

    Simply tap your phone or physical card on a PRESTO device when boarding the bus.

    • Android users: Wake your phone before tapping it on the reader.
    • iPhone users: If you have Express Mode enabled, you don't need to wake or unlock your phone—just tap and go.
    • No Data? No Problem: An internet connection is not required to tap your digital PRESTO card when you travel.

Tips and tricks

Android phones

Android phones

android
  • To pay for transit with your U-Pass, wake your phone and hold it near the PRESTO reader until you see a checkmark.
  • 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.

If you lose your Android phone or get a new one, follow the steps below to recover your PRESTO card in Google Wallet:

  1. Open the Google Wallet app on your new phone 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.
iPhones

iPhones

ios
  • 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 iPhone, your PRESTO card will be suspended once you report it as lost in the Find My app. Follow these steps to reactivate your PRESTO card if you lose your iPhone or get a new one:
  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.

Lost or damaged cards

Lost or damaged cards

transit_ticket

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

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

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

Common errors

Common errors

error
Please follow the tips below if you encounter the following error messages:
  • Could Not Add Card. Rejected Due to Fraud: This message may appear if you use the Add Transit Card option to add a PRESTO card directly through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. To prevent this, use the PRESTO app to add your digital card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

  • The PRESTO app is unavailable in your country: If the PRESTO app does not appear in your App Store or Google Play Store, your country may not be set to Canada in your device settings.
    • For Android phones:
      1. Open the Google Play Store app.
      2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner, then select Settings.
      3. Select General, then tap Account and device preferences.
      4. Select Country and profiles, find your name and country and follow the prompts to change your country. You must add a valid payment method.
    • For iPhones:
      1. Open the Settings app.
      2. Tap your name and then Media and Purchases.
      3. Tap View Account and then Country/Region.
      4. Follow the prompts.

  • Your device is not compatible with the PRESTO app: You may need to clear the data and cache in the PRESTO app or Google Play. To do this:
    1. Go to Settings and then Apps.
    2. Look for PRESTO or Google Play.
    3. Select Storage and then Clear Data & Clear Cache.
    4. Try to update the app again.

If you still are unable to add a digital PRESTO card after following these tips, you will need to use a physical PRESTO card. Please email upass@ontariotechu.ca and include your full name and student number.

Contact us