University Pass Pilot Program

AU has worked with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to provide students with the benefit for a flat fee (2016 – 2017 academic year). This mandatory student fee will appear on the student bill for all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and law students. However, the fee will not be assessed for all full-time distance (online) learning, MetroAccess-eligible, and study-abroad students (for the semester they are abroad).For students with financial aid, the fee is included in the cost of attendance. AU's cost of attendance has not increased. Instead, the estimated cost of transportation has been adjusted to account for this program.

Students will be able to utilize the U·Pass using a personal SmarTrip card, provided by the WMATA and AU. Cards will be available for pick-up at the beginning of the semester, and will be linked to a unique serial number for each student. After an initial distribution of cards on Main Campus (August 20 – 31) and Washington College of Law (August 17 – 23), the Office of Parking and Traffic Services will handle replacement requests and late pick-ups. Lost or stolen cards should be reported online to the Office of Parking and Traffic Services. Replacements for lost cards will cost $20, and a maximum of one replacement will be provided each semester.

Quick Facts

• The goal of the program is to save you money on Metro, avoid the hassles of driving, and help us take cars off the road for a cleaner environment.
• The cost of the pass will be added as a mandatory student fee for all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and law students and can be covered by financial aid.
• The pilot year for this program is Fall 2016 and Spring 2017.
• The pass is good for any type of trip: to school, work, internships, recreational events, and personal trips.
• The pass does not cover parking fees at Metro stations.
• AU is the first university in D.C. to offer the pass, and it will be customized with the AU logo. Students may be asked to show their AU ID when using this pass.
• The pass is valid for the registered user only. You must produce this card and/or your AU Student Identification Card if requested by an authorized transit employee or police.
• The pass is limited to exclusive use by the full-time student enrolled at American University to whom the card is issued, valid only during the academic calendar dates identified by your school. The pass is not transferable and may be confiscated by WMATA and its holder may be subject to criminal prosecution if it is misused or presented for transportation by any person other than the person to whom it is issued.
• For more information regarding the University Pass Program at AU, visit www.american.edu/upass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What schools are participating in the University Pass Pilot Program?
American University is the first school to adopt the program in D.C., although other schools are in conversations with WMATA.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the University Pass Pilot Program?
Full-time students at accredited post-secondary, degree granting schools within WMATA's service area that enter into an agreement with WMATA are eligible.

Q: Where can I go with my University Pass?
The University Pass offers unlimited rides on Metrorail, Metrobus and WMATA express/shuttle buses during the U″Pass validity dates. See dates below. The Pass is great for trips to school, work, internships, cultural events and entertainment.

Fall
Washington College of Law
Fall 2016: August 17, 2016 - December 24, 2016*

American University
Fall 2016: August 20, 2016 - December 27, 2016*
* The U″Pass is not valid during winter break.

Spring
Washington College of Law
Spring 2017: January 5, 2017 - May 14, 2017

American University
Spring 2017: January 9, 2017 - May 21, 2017

The University Pass cannot be used with MetroAccess paratransit services or regional partner services (i.e. ART, CUE, DASH, D.C. Circulator, Fairfax Connector, Loudoun Commuter Bus, PRTC, Ride One, Ride On Express, The Bus and MTA, etc.)

Q: What if my University Pass is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, a $20 replacement fee will be charged. WMATA will provide only one replacement per semester.

Q: Can the fees for University Pass be paid with financial aid?
Yes. Because this is a mandatory student fee, it is considered part of the cost of attendance and included in overall cost calculations for financial aid.

Q: Can I share my University Pass with my friends?
The U Pass cannot be used by anyone other that the student to whom the card is issued, is non-transferable and may be confiscated by WMATA if misused. WMATA reserves the right to request a school ID to verify the card holder.

Q: I commute to school by car–does the University Pass have any benefits for me?
The University Pass gives you an opportunity to get out of your car and reduce transportation costs, increase eco-mobility options, reduce congestion and emissions, avoid traffic congestion, and save on parking, gas and upkeep. We hope the program will encourage students who drive to change to Metro. Also, we know that many students use Uber and they can choose the pass as a less costly alternative.

Q: Will the University Pass cover the summer semester?
The summer semester is not included as part of the pilot program. It could be considered for future program implementation after the pilot period, depending on factors including market feasibility and student feedback.

Q: Will online students who don't live in the Washington, D.C. region have to pay for this?
Online students are not included in this program regardless of their location. Online programs have separate fees and semester timelines that do not make them compatible with this program.

Q: Will students with disabilities who already have discounted fares have to pay for this?
Students with disabilities who receive free Metro Access will not have to pay for this program.