Transit Passes

Dalhousie has partnered with Halifax SmartTrip to launch a reduced-cost Halifax Transit bus pass program available to all permanent full-time and part-time employees, as well as associate employees. The program was piloted in 2013 and was renewed each year.

Goals:

A primary goal of the SmartTrip XPass program is to reduce rush hour traffic in Halifax by encouraging employees to use transit whenever possible. The program complements the SmartTrip initiatives to reduce the number of vehicles being driven to the workplace.

The Office of Sustainability at Dalhousie University is in charge of running the employee bus pass registration program each year. To register or ask questions about the program email us at ebuspass@dal.ca

The Xpass program is offered to all permanent employees (full-time and part-time), full time grant paid, post-docs, and associated employees. No casual employees will be able to participate. All employees must be paid directly through Dalhousie payroll and be employed until the end of June 2024 (Summer Enrollments). 

If you have questions about the XPass program, eligibility, rates, or program duration, please contact the Office of Sustainability, at ebuspass@dal.ca or visit the frequently asked questions section of the EPass website.

Thank you to the 300+ employees who participated last year.

The next sign up will be in November 2023

 If you have any questions please email ebuspass@dal.ca

You can find information on registering for the XPass program on the SmartTrip myDal site (Login Required).

In their terms of reference, Halifax requires participating employees to remain enrolled in the SmartTrip XPass program for the duration of the calendar year in which they enroll in the program. Email ebuspass@dal.ca for more information.

However, opt outs can be accomodated if an employee has a change in shift, workplace location, or change in residence where new location is not within 1 kilometre of conventional transit service, MetroLink service, or conventional ferry. The SmartTrip XPass must be returned to the Office of Sustainability before payroll deducations can be stopped. An employee requesting to leave the SmartTrip XPass program prior to the end of the pilot period, for reasons other than those listed above, is required to repay SmartTrip the difference between the cost of the regular monthly pass and the cost of the SmartTrip XPass for each month in the program.

The cost of the XPass is deducted from an employee's monthly payroll. The discounted pass rate is as follows:

Commitment until the end of the year-long period is required to register for the XPass. Cancellation is not permitted, except for the following reasons:

• A change in employment status where the employee is no longer an eligible employee (termination of position and 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;
• Any other reason acceptable to Halifax in its sole discretion.

Cancellation or suspension of payments for holidays or seasonal use is not permitted.

How to cancel:
Dalhousie is responsible for collecting and returning any SmartTrip passes of departing employees. Prior to terminating payroll deductions for a pass, an employee must physically return their pass to the Office of Sustainability (e-mail ebuspass@dal.ca to coordinate) for purposes of cancellation and reporting.

When can I register for an XPass?

We will be holding two registration periods (November & June) for the year.

Can I register for the XPass program past the registration deadline?

No. Halifax Transit has two time periods throughout the year when our Office can register participants for a July or January start date. A set registration period is provided to us by Halifax Transit to ensure adequate time for processing forms and producing cards. If you miss one registration sign-up period, you can connect with our Office to be placed on a list for the next registration period.

Why can’t I use my Dal ID card for the Employee Bus Pass Program?

The XPass cards are unique in that they are designed to be easily identifiable to Halifax Transit drivers. The passes are also personalized and cannot be transferable.

Is the Employee Bus Pass Program offered to all Dalhousie employees?

The program is offered to all permanent employees (full-time and part-time) and associated employees.

What if I lose my XPass?

Any lost, stolen, or damaged SmartTrip XPass is subject to a replacement fee of $25, which will be deducted from payroll. If your card is lost or stolen, please contact ebuspass@dal.ca and we will work with HRM to replace your card.

What is the cost for the transit passes for employees?

Eligible employees will pay $72.19 (monthly) for an XPass. Dalhousie is supplementing part of the cost of each bus pass, in partnership with Halifax.

Is there a discount for seniors?

No, there is no discount for the XPass.

Does the XPass include access to Metro Transit’s Park and Ride program?

Yes, the XPass entitles pass holders can participate in Metro Transit’s Park and Ride program. Parking at most Halifax lots is free except Dartmouth Sportsplex, Woodside Ferry Terminal and Alderney Gate, which have low monthly parking rates.

Why can't I register or opt-out of the program mid-year?

Dalhousie University does not set the terms and conditions of the XPass program. Due to the number of registered participants enrolled in the  city-wide program, Halifax requires that employees remain enrolled in the SmartTrip XPass program for the duration of the calendar year in which they enroll in the program.