Employee Transit EPass
The EPass program is for SMU employees only. To learn about student bus passes, visit our website.
Sustainable and cost-effective commuting options for employees. The Halifax Transit EPass program is now available for Saint Mary's employees looking to reduce their commuting stress, costs and emissions
Registration is currently open.
- Registration for January 2025 is now open and must be submitted to epass@smu.ca by Thursday, November 21, 2024.
- New participants can join now. Anyone with a pass or renewal expiring December 31, 2024, must renew to continue with the program.
- Participants with passes expiring June 30, 2025, do not need to renew at this time.
What is it?
The EPass program offers an annual discounted transit Xpass, purchased by SMU employees through payroll deduction. Currently, there are two enrolment periods: one in May for July 1 XPasses and another in November for January 1 XPasses.
You can find our FAQ on the EPass at the bottom of this page. If you have any additional questions, please email us at epass@smu.ca
Employees who enroll in the EPass program and receive their XPass will:
- Reduce the number of cars on the road during rush hour traffic, experiencing less stress during their commute
- Save money, given that the cost of an XPass works out to approximately $3 a day
- Save the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
The SmartTrip GRH program provides XPass holders with guaranteed
transportation home in the event of personal illness or emergency while at work. This service may be
used up to 5 times a year.
What events qualify for a Guaranteed Ride Home voucher?
⋅ personal or family illness/emergency
⋅ unscheduled overtime
⋅ carpool/vanpool partner’s emergency, illness, or unscheduled overtime
What does not apply?
⋅ personal errands
⋅ pre-planned medical or dental appointments
⋅ business-related travel
⋅ weather-related transit service delays and disruptions
More information on the GRH program can be found
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, you must be a full-time or part-time employee of Saint Mary's. This includes full and part-time contract employees.
Casual employees and part-time faculty members are not eligible for an XPass.
How do I sign up?
New Participants:
Email your registration form and photo of yourself to epass@smu.ca by November 21, 2024
New participants will have to fill out a digital registration form and provide a photo to add to their XPass. Please attach your completed registration form linked below in PDF format and attach your photo in jpg format and submit by email to epass@smu.ca
The registration form can be found here.
Returning Participants:
Email only your registration form to epass@smu.ca by November 21, 2024
Returning participants will only have to fill out a digital registration form. Please attach your completed registration form linked below in PDF format and submit by email to epass@smu.ca
If you need assistance with your application, please contact Facilities Management by email (facilities.management@smu.ca) or in-person (MS011) and we can assist you.
Rates
The monthly fee for an XPass is $61.88, and employees participating will pay by payroll deduction. The EPass program offers an annual 12-month XPass (this includes Regional Routes at no additional charge) at the discounted rate of 9 months compared to the cost of purchasing a standard monthly Halifax Transit pass
Commitment/Cancellation
Commitment for 12 months is required to register for the EPass program. Cancellation is not permitted, except for the following reasons:
- A change in employment status (no longer an eligible employee, termination of employment or retirement)
- The commencement of maternity leave or paternity leave
- The commencement of leave due to illness where the participating employee is receiving benefits under a long-term disability plan or benefits from the Worker’s Compensation Board
Cancellation or suspension of payments for holidays or seasonal use is not permitted
Facilities Management is responsible for collecting and returning any XPasses of departing employees. Prior to terminating payroll deductions, an employee must physically return their pass to the Facilities Management Office located in the McNally South Basement, MS011 (email facilities.management@smu.ca for purposes of cancellation and XPass return)
Contact Us
If you require additional assistance or have any questions please reach out via email to epass@smu.ca or visit our frequently asked questions section below.
You can also find more information on EPass at the Halifax Transit website:
FAQ
Q: What do I need to do to register for an XPass?
A: Fill in a registration form and take a photo of yourself. Please ensure the photo is a basic headshot of yourself with a neutral background. Submit your registration form and your photo in .jpg format to epass@smu.ca
Q: Are all employees at SMU eligible for an Xpass?
A: Full-time and part-time employees of Saint Mary's are eligible for an XPass. Casual employees, contractors, Aramark, SMUSA and part-time faculty employees are not eligible for an XPass.
Q: I lost my XPass. What do I do?
A: A lost, stolen or damaged XPass is subject to a replacement fee of $25, which will be deducted from the employee's payroll. If your card is lost or stolen, please contact epass@smu.ca and we will work with Halifax Transit to replace your card.
Q. Why can't I register or opt-out of the program mid-year?
A. Saint Mary's does not set the terms and conditions of the EPass program. Saint Mary's cannot change these terms for special considerations. Due to the number of registered participants enrolled in the city-wide program, Halifax Transit requires that employees remain enrolled in the program for the full year.
Q. Does the XPass include access to Metro Transit’s Park and Ride program?
A. Yes, the XPass includes access to this program. Parking at most Halifax lots is free except Dartmouth Sportsplex, Woodside Ferry Terminal and Alderney Gate, which have low monthly parking rates. For more information on the park and ride program,
For more transit information, visit , call the Halifax Call Centre at (902) 490-4000, pick up a Riders Guide or map at any one of the 50 transit retail outlets throughout Halifax, or follow Halifax Transit on Twitter at .