The U·Pass program provides unlimited rides throughout the semester on Metrorail and Metrobus (including express and airport shuttle buses) for trips to school, work, internships, cultural events, and entertainment. The program extends to all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and law students.

CUA has worked with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to provide students with the benefit for a flat fee. 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, Metro Access-eligible, or study-abroad students (for the semester they are abroad). For students with financial aid, the fee is included in the cost of attendance.

Students will use the U·Pass with a personal SmarTrip card, provided by the WMATA. Cards will be available for pick-up the first week of classes for commuter student’s while resident students will receive their SmarTrip card with their room key. Each card is linked to a unique serial number for each student and after an initial distribution of cards the Office of Transportation and Parking Services will handle replacement requests and late pick-ups. Lost or stolen cards should be reported online to the Office of Transportation and Parking Services.

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 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. U·Pass holders must use a separate SmarTrip card and pay the “Non-Rider” parking fees at Metro Stations.
  • The pass is valid for the registered user only. You must produce this card and/or your Cardinal Card if requested by an Authorized transit employee or police.

Preparing for the Year

  • Commuter Students may pick-up their U·Pass at the Office of Transportation and Parking Services at the start of the academic year and Resident’s will receive it with the room key from Resident’s Life.
  • You will have to pick up a new card every academic year.
  • Students must have their Cardinal Card to receive their U·Pass.

U·Pass in Apple Wallet

  • Must have an iPhone 8 (or newer) and/or an Apple Watch Series 5 (or newer) running on the latest version of iOS.
  • 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.
  • Once you transfer your plastic U-Pass to Apple Wallet, your plastic card will be deactivated and can’t be used again.
  • Watch this instructional video.
  •  The "Last Name" and "Phone Number" fields are now optional. Users may leave these fields blank or enter their personal data.
  •  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 U·Pass, just tap and go.
  • Check out WMATA's Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
  • For more information on how to transfer U-Pass to Apple Wallet visit the WMATA website or call (888) SMARTRIP (888-762-7874).

FAQs

  • Can I opt out of the program if I do not think it will benefit me?

    The University Pass program extends to all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and law students. If you would like to request an exception to the U·Pass program, please complete a U-Pass Exception Request.

  • Where do I pick up my card if I missed the distribution dates?

    If you were not able to pick up your card during campus distribution, go to the Office of Transportation and Parking Services located in Room 242 of the Pryz.

  • What if my U·Pass is lost or stolen?

    Students can purchase a replacement card for $20 replacement fee at the Office of Transportation and Parking Services. Only one replacement card will be allowed per semester. If a card was stolen and a police report was filed, the $20 replacement fee may be waived after providing the report.

  • How much is the pass?

    The total fee students will pay is $125 per semester, for the fall and spring semesters. There is no need to refill the card or supplement the card in any way. It is an unlimited pass, not a stored value card.

  • Who is eligible to participate in the U·Pass Program?

    Full-time undergraduate, graduate, and law students are eligible for the U·Pass and are automatically assessed the U·Pass fee. Full-time status is governed by CUA's academic regulations. Online and study abroad students are not eligible for the U·Pass.

  • Where can I go with my U·Pass?

    The U·Pass offers unlimited riding on WMATA’S buses and trains during the semester for trips to school, work, internships, cultural events, and entertainment. It covers the entire WMATA bus and train system. Please visit website for maps, trip planner, and other useful information at: www.wmata.com

    At this time, the U·Pass cannot be used on other transit services such as RideOn, ART, or the DC Circulator. WMATA hopes to expand the program to cover these regional transit services in the future.

  • Can the fees for U·Pass be paid with financial aid?

    Yes, since it is a mandatory student fee, it is considered part of the cost of attendance and included in overall cost calculations for financial aid.

  • Will the pass be incorporated on CUA’s ID cards?

    At this time, the technology is not compatible. CUA and WMATA continue to partner on improving the U·Pass program.

  • I commute to school by car. Does the U·Pass have any benefits for me?

    The U·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.

  • Will the U·Pass cover the summer session?

    The summer session is not included as part of the program. It could be considered for future program implementation, depending on factors including market feasibility and student feedback.

  • Will online students who don’t live in the Washington, D.C. region have to pay for this?

    Students enrolled in an online program, regardless of their location, are not eligible for the U·Pass.

  • 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.

  • Is my U·Pass still valid if I move from an undergraduate program to a graduate program at CUA?

    Students moving from an undergraduate to a graduate program will need a new U·Pass. You will not be charged a replacement fee. Stop by a distribution location or visit the Office of Transportation and Parking Services.

  • My U·Pass card does not work. What do I do?

    Before you contact the Office of Transportation and Parking Services regarding a damaged or non-functioning card, give your card to a Metrorail Station Manager for help. Your card may have become “inverted” by failure to “tap out” of the rail system properly. Please be sure to “tap in“ and “tap out” to complete your trip.