OC Transpo is cracking down on students who try to sell their U-Passes, as six students have been caught doing so since September 2013, according to OC Transpo security chief James Babe.
The U-Pass is a mandatory transit pass program for full-time Carleton and University of Ottawa students, paid for through student fees.
Carleton warned students not to flip their U-Passes in an email sent out Feb. 3, saying buying, selling, or using a U-Pass not issued to them is illegal and an act of fraud.
Babe said the fine for flipping a U-Pass can range from $150 to $610.
“The $150 fine applies if you bought a U-Pass from someone else and the $610 fine is applicable if you sold a U-Pass to someone. Since you are not a licensed seller the fine is increased to reflect the severity of the act,” he said.
The charge would not appear on a criminal record, according to Babe, but the offender would be charged under bylaw.
Babe said students should avoid buying passes online and not trust any passes unless they are provided by the school.
