Using the LRT for Business Travel

There are two ways for employees to travel between campuses for university business:

  • Employees receive pre-purchased tickets from their units
  • Once Edmonton Transit's new system (the Arc Card pilot program) is implemented more widely across the transit system, the university will purchase cards centrally and distribute them to units as required and at their expense

Please note that your regular commute to and from your primary office, including from a university parking lot to another eligible station, is not an eligible use.

How to get approved for business travel

Talk to your supervisor to get approval for business travel on the LRT. Depending on what’s available when you travel, you may purchase your tickets and submit them for reimbursement, get tickets from your unit ahead of travel, or your unit may provide you with an Arc Card if they are participating in the pilot program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m eligible to ride public transit for university business?
Talk to your supervisor to get approval. Depending on what’s available when you travel, your unit may provide you with a card or pre-purchased transit tickets. You may also be asked to purchase tickets and submit them for reimbursement.
How do I get a transit card?
The program is currently in its early stages, but later this year units will purchase cards to be used by the employees within their unit upon request.
I park near an LRT station. Can I park and then ride the LRT to my office on any campus?
No. The university only covers travel costs when using the LRT for business purposes, not personal commuting. Employees are responsible for the logistics and costs associated with commuting between a personal residence and their primary workplace.
Can I park on one campus and commute to another using the LRT?
No. The university only covers travel costs when using the LRT for business purposes, not personal commuting. Employees are responsible for the logistics and costs associated with commuting between a personal residence and their primary workplace.
Can I travel on any public transit (LRT, buses, etc.)?
Yes, all public transit is eligible for use when travelling for university business.
My unit is participating in the Arc Card pilot program and I have a question.
Contact Karen Buchholtz in Finance, Procurement and Planning or procure@ualberta.ca for answers to any questions about the Arc Card pilot program.
Can I show my ONEcard as proof of payment for approved business travel?
No. The City of Edmonton has removed the ONEcard program for transit.
Does the University of Alberta participate in the ETS@Work program?
Not at this time.