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Access your U-Pass

Important to note: 

  • Already have a physical PRESTO card? Your voucher will be ready for use 4 to 7 hours after you redeem your code. Redeem your voucher code early to avoid delays.
  • Buying a physical PRESTO card at ? You will need to wait 4 to 7 hours before registering the card to your PRESTO account, plus another 4 to 7 hours after redeeming your voucher.
  • If you prefer to use a physical PRESTO card, do not add it to your mobile wallet as this will deactivate it.
  • If you withdraw from full-time studies or drop to a part-time course load, the U-Pass fee will be removed from your account.
  • Your U-Pass is for your use only. It is not transferable. 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.

Please note: If you have a digital PRESTO card, your U-Pass can only be used on your phone and is not compatible with smartwatches.

Vouchers must be redeemed on the  when using physical cards or within the PRESTO app when using digital cards.

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

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

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

    If you have registered for courses and the U-Pass fee has not been charged to your account, please email upass@ontariotechu.ca for assistance. 

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

    If this is your first time using PRESTO, create an account on PRESTO's website using your personal email address.

    To get started, click the button below: 

  • Step 3: Sign in to your account

    Click the button below to sign in to your account using PRESTO's website:

  • 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 on to.
    2. In the navigation menu, click Redeem Voucher.
    3. Enter your voucher code and follow the prompts.

    Please note:

    • This step must be done through , not the app.
    • It takes 4 to 7 hours after redeeming your voucher for it to become available for use.
    • Do not convert your physical card to a digital one after redeeming your voucher. It may cause issues with your pass.
  • Step 6: Activate and use your U-Pass voucher

    After the waiting period (4 to 7 hours) has passed, tap your physical card on transit to activate and use your voucher.

    Your voucher will expire if you do not tap your physical card within 30 days after redeeming it.

    Note: U-Pass vouchers cannot be used before the following dates:

    • September 1 - fall semester.
    • January 1 - winter semester.
    • May 1 - spring/summer semester.
  • 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 U-Pass voucher code will be sent to your  closer to the start of the term.

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

    If you have registered for courses and the U-Pass fee has not been charged to your account, please email upass@ontariotechu.ca for assistance. 

  • Step 2: Ensure you meet the device requirements

    For Android phones:

    • Your phone must support NFC and have Android 7.0 or higher. Follow the instructions in the to enable NFC.

    • You must have the latest version of Google Wallet and Google Play Services installed.

    • Ensure that the country in your device settings is set to Canada. To do this:
      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 the country. You must add a valid payment method.

    For iPhones:

    • Your phone must support NFC and have iOS 16.4 or later. 
      • If you have set up Apple Pay and used it at payment terminals, then your phone is NFC-compatible.
      • If you have never used Apple Pay, check your  under Cellular and Wireless.

    • To use NFC/Apple Pay, you must have  enabled for your Apple account and ,  or a  set on your device. 

    • Ensure that the country in your device settings is set to Canada. To do this:
      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.

    If your phone does not meet these requirements, you may need to use a physical PRESTO card.

  • Step 3: 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 personal email address.

  • 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 digital one

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

       

    Make sure to use the PRESTO app when adding a new digital card—do not use the Add Transit Card option in your mobile wallet.

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

    Important to note:

    • If you would like to convert your physical card to digital, do it before redeeming your voucher.
    • 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, follow the steps below or check out our how-to video:

    1. Make sure you have a minimum balance of $0.05 on your digital PRESTO card. If you need to , visit PRESTO's website for instructions. 
    2. On the home screen in the PRESTO app, 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. 

  • 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. If using an iPhone with  enabled, you will not need to wake or unlock your phone before tapping.

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

    Note: U-Pass vouchers cannot be used before the following dates:

    • September 1 - fall semester.
    • January 1 - winter semester.
    • May 1 - spring/summer semester.

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 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 , 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

transit_ticket

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

Visit PRESTO's website for more information on .

Please note: Your original card must be registered to your PRESTO 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.

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  or .

  • 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.

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