Algonquin College, The University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and the City of Ottawa have been working together for the past two years to eliminate the blue U-Pass card and merge it onto each institution’s student card. This means that all AC Cards and U-Passes are being replaced!
What’s changing?
- The new AC Card + U-Pass will function as both an AC Card and U-Pass, eliminating the need for U-Pass eligible students to be issued two cards!
- No more renewals! The AC Card + U-Pass will automatically be enabled each term a student is U-Pass eligible.
- Appointments are no longer needed to pick up an AC Card + U-Pass!
All existing functions of the AC Card and U-Pass will continue to work as before, with the exception of length of time students need to hold their new card on the OC Transpo fare reader in order for it to validate, which is now about 4 seconds. This is impacting all post-secondary schools in Ottawa and OC Transpo is working on a fix for future terms. In the meantime, students are asked to hold their card in place on the fare terminals until they see a green approval message (or about 4 seconds).
Getting a new AC Card + U-Pass
The process for new students to get an AC Card remains unchanged. Students will need to upload their photo to our AC Photo portal https://acphoto.algonquincollege.com/ to begin the process.
Returning students who picked up their new AC Card + U-Pass in Fall 2024 will have their U-Pass automatically renewed each term they are U-Pass-eligible!
Returning full-time Ottawa Campus students, who did not pick up the new AC Card + U-Pass in Fall 2024 will need to have a new AC Card printed. These students are asked to visit the AC Card and U-Pass Service Centre to get their new card, at no additional cost. The AC Card and U-Pass Service Centre is open weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Marketplace Food Court, starting Jan. 2. Returning students are asked to bring their current AC Card, as we will need to collect it when we issue the new AC Card + U-Pass.
Returning students do not need to upload a new photo, as we will use their existing photo still on file. Students will no longer need to book appointments to pick up their cards, service will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
This project will not impact employee cards, or any students who are not U-Pass eligible (including those in Perth, Pembroke, part-time, and online students).
You will see increased messaging, signage, and staffing to help communicate and deploy this improvement. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss impacts in your area, please contact the Manager of Card Services at: Roch.Lafond@algonquincollege.com.