U-Pass in Apple Wallet

UPass in Apple Wallet Frequently Asked Questions



What is U-Pass in Apple Wallet?

U-Pass in Apple Wallet is Metro & Apple’s latest feature – a mobile version of the U-Pass card. The Apple Wallet digital card performs identical to the plastic card – allowing you unlimited rides on Metrorail and Metrobus. This mobile pass allows you to “tap and go” anywhere you currently use your plastic U-Pass card.

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What are the benefits of using U-Pass in Apple Wallet?

Easy. Secure. Convenient. Sustainable. All from the iPhone or Apple Watch you love.

If you have an iPhone 8 (or newer) and/or an Apple Watch Series 5 (or newer) running on the latest version of iOS; a few easy steps allows you to transfer your plastic U-Pass card to Apple Wallet. Once your card is transferred to the Apple Wallet, simply hold the back of your iPhone or Apple Watch near a Metro faregate or farebox card reader (2-3 inches above it is ideal) to pay with U-Pass.

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I’m ready, how do I put my U-Pass in Apple Wallet?

Here’s how to get started: 

Enter the unique date of birth and phone number for your school provided below:

  • Date of Birth: (School Date of Birth)
  • Phone Number: (School Phone Number)
For the best experience, turn on Express Transit for your U-Pass card in the settings for Wallet & Apple Pay. Follow the instructions here: Use Express Mode for Transit Cards in Apple Wallet. With Express Transit turned on for UPass, just tap and go. 

Once you transfer your plastic U-Pass to Apple Wallet, your plastic card will be deactivated and can’t be used again. Please recycle your card at your school’s Office of Sustainability or at a campus recycling bin.
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I already have a SmarTrip in my Apple Wallet, how do I use my U-Pass after I have transferred it?

You must turn on Express Transit for your U-Pass card in the settings for Wallet & Apple Pay. Follow the instructions here: Use Express Mode for Transit Cards in Apple Wallet

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When does the U-Pass in Apple Wallet expire?

U-Pass in Apple Wallet is valid through the end of the Spring semester, at which time your U-Pass will automatically expire. Any other SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet will continue to work as expected.

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My U-Pass in Apple Wallet does not work. What should I do?

Follow the instructions and try to load your card into the Apple Wallet again, or call 1888-SMARTRIP to troubleshoot.

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When will the mobile feature be available on the Android Google Pay platform?

U-Pass in Google Pay is not currently available. Metro will provide updates as we plan support for Android users.

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I have lost my iPhone, or I bought a new iPhone, how do I recover my U-Pass from my old iPhone?

If you restore your new device from a backup of your old device, you will be given the opportunity to restore your U-Pass to Apple Wallet on your new iPhone. You must remove U-Pass from Apple Wallet before erasing your old iPhone.

If you are setting up a new iPhone and removed U-Pass from Apple Wallet on your old iPhone prior to disposing of it, simply select "Add Card" in Apple Wallet and follow the steps to restore your transit card.

If you are setting up your new iPhone and did not take any action to remove your U-Pass card from your old iPhone, you can remove your U-Pass card from your old iPhone, as long as it is still able to be turned on and connected to a network and logged in with YOUR Apple ID, by logging into iCloud, selecting Account Settings, selecting your old device, and following the prompts to remove your U- Pass card from Apple Wallet. Once that is complete, select "Add Card" in Apple Wallet on your new iPhone and follow the steps to restore your U-Pass card.

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What happens if the battery on my iPhone device dies and I need to use my U-Pass® card?

On iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR and newer, you can use power reserve with your Express Transit card. Power reserve enables you to quickly pay for rides and is available for up to five hours when your iPhone needs to be charged. To see if Express Transit cards are available when your iPhone needs to be charged, press the side button. Doing this often may significantly reduce the power reserve for Express Transit cards. If you choose to power off your iPhone, this feature will not be available.

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How long is my pass valid?

U-Pass in Apple Wallet is valid through the end of the Spring semester, as long as you are an eligible full-time student. Your U-Pass will automatically expire at the end of the Spring semester. Any other SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet will continue to work as expected.

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Can I add the U-Pass virtual card to my personal SmarTrip online account?

No, U-Pass cannot be combined or registered to your personal SmarTrip account.

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Can I add stored value to my virtual U-Pass card?

No. Stored value is not available on the U-Pass card.

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