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Living in Vancouver

Transit

Public transportation

Vancouver has a fairly extensive public transportation system called Translink. It includes buses, a light rail system called the SkyTrain, and a commuter ferry called the SeaBus.

The Translink website has information about routes and schedules, and a very useful trip planning feature on its home page.

Wondering how to get to Regent by public transit? Visit our Getting Here page.

U-Pass

The U-Pass program at UBC provides Regent College students with affordable and unlimited access to the bus, SeaBus, and SkyTrain systems in all zones. The pass costs $35 per month, and in Fall and Winter terms is charged up front for the entire term ($140) as part of your student fees. By comparison, a one-zone monthly transit pass for the same length of time costs $364.

You will not be able to pick up your U-Pass until you have first received UBC card from the carding office next to the bookstore in UBC Central. Before going to the Carding Office, check that your student number appears on the U-Pass Student ID List . You must present photo ID when you pick up the UBC card and U-Pass.

Using your UBC card, you can then pick up a U-Pass on a monthly basis from the vending machines located next to the carding office. Passes are valid from the first until the last day of the month. The UBC card must be carried in conjunction with the U-Pass whenever riding public transit. TransLink may fine individuals using the U-Pass who are not able to produce their student ID card when asked.

To find out if you're eligible to get the U-Pass each term, consult the Student Fees section of the Pay Your Tuition and Fees page. For full details about this program, visit the UBC U-Pass website. Or download the U-Pass Info Sheet .


Airport

The Vancouver International Airport is located just 20 minutes from campus by car, and is also accessible by public transit using the SkyTrain’s Canada Line.


Cycling

Vancouver has many cycling paths crossing the city. Many students buy a good raincoat for the wet days and cycle to Regent. UBC and Regent are separated from the city by a beautiful forested park, which makes cycling and walking a wonderful experience.

UBC provides online cycling routes, or you can visit the City of Vancouver’s site.

Driving

If you plan to drive in BC during your time at Regent, here are a few things to consider.

Driver’s licenses and car insurance can be obtained through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).

According to ICBC, if you are a full-time visiting student (whether Canadian or international), you can retain your driver's license from your home province or country. However, this applies only to the registered student, not to your spouse. Spouses can drive on their current license for three months, but then are required to get a BC driver's license. This period can be extended to six months if they have an International Driving Permit. We advise international students to keep a copy of their study permit and UBC card with them while driving.

If you are a North American student, you can either insure your vehicle with ICBC, or you may be able to retain insurance coverage from your home province or state, providing you register the insurance with ICBC. If you plan to insure your vehicle in BC, bring a letter from your insurance company stating how long you’ve had a "no-claims" history (safe driving record); this can give you a significant discount on the insurance rates.


Parking

Regent College has a small parking lot for staff and faculty, which opens for student parking from 4:30 pm to 7:30 am Monday to Friday and on weekends. 

There are also a number of parking options on the wider UBC campus.

University Chapel is located a short walk from Regent, and sells parking passes for approximately $30 per month or $100 per term. A limited number of weekly passes ($10) and daily passes ($2.50) are also available. Contact University Chapel directly at 604.222.0800 or uc@universitychapel.org.

UBC Parking Passes are available through UBC Parking. The FlexPass provides unlimited parking at designated parkades and prices start at $100 per month or $380 per term. The FlexSaver is ideal for those requiring occasional parking and 20-day passes cost $190.

UBC visitor parking ranges between $6 and $14 per day.

Taxis

A cab ride from Regent to downtown Vancouver is approximately $25. Within the downtown core, most distances can be reached for $10 to $15. A cab ride from Regent to the airport is approximately $25-$30. These are the most common taxi companies operating in Vancouver.

Black Top & Checker Cabs, 604.683.4567, toll-free 1.800.494.1111
MacLures Cabs, 604.683.6666
Vancouver Taxi, 604.871.1111, toll-free 1.800.871.8294
Yellow Cab, 604.681.1111, toll-free 1.800.898.8294

BC Ferries

Planning to explore some of the islands off the coast of Vancouver? Visit the BC Ferries website for schedules and fares.

Trains and buses

The Rocky Mountaineer offers train rides to Whistler.

VIA Rail is Canada’s chief railway line, connecting Vancouver with the rest of the country.

Amtrak Cascades carries passengers between Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland.

Greyhound provides bus transportation between cities, and covers routes across the entire country.


More information

For more information on transit in Vancouver, visit the BC Passport website.