Do I have the pass?
Get started with your pass
Check your eligibility
Confirm you are paying the Transportation Fee or have opted-in.
You can view instructions on the One Stop website.
If you don't pay the fee, you can opt-in online (View eligible and ineligible lists).
Activate
Go to any light rail or bus rapid transit station and tap your U Card on the reader.
If you see GO: Your pass is active.
If you don't see GO: Walk away and wait at least one full hour. Then, return and tap your card a second time.
Tap every time you ride
Always tap your card before boarding a light rail or when entering a bus. Failing to tap your card can result in a fine, even if your pass is active.
Why use your pass?
Huge savings
The Universal Transit Pass cuts costs by 74%, averaging out to $1.75 per week for most students.
Reduces footprint
Public transit reduces your carbon footprint and makes campus roads safer.
Flexibility
Connects home, campus, work and activities like farmers markets and events.
Added perks with your pass
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
Worried about getting stranded in an emergency? Register with Metro Transit's GRH program. If you regularly take transit to campus and have an eligible emergency, Metro Transit will reimburse your rideshare cost to get home.
Metro Mobility
Pass holders with a disability or health condition that prevents them from using regular transit routes can opt-in to Metro Mobility shared-ride services. On campus paratransit is always free.
By the numbers
The Universal Transit Pass has become a mainstay of campus transit since its launch in 2022.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have the pass?
If you pay the University Transportation Fee: You are automatically enrolled. Your pass is ready to activate on the first day of classes.
- Not sure if you pay it? View instructions to check your tuition statement.
If you do NOT pay the fee: Most students can opt-in manually online each semester.
Eligible to opt-in
The following groups are eligible to opt into the UTP:
- 95XX Graduate/Professional Workers
- Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)
- Advanced/Thesis Grad Students (GRAD 999 Ineligible)
- International Student Interns/Scholars/F1J1
- U Card and Student/Staff ID number required - International VISA Holder POI should be in the Status with no specified job code
- MN English Language Program
- MAST International Academic Plan Exclusions (ex: Tuition by fees, full scholarships, programs not assessed the fee)
Not eligible to opt-in
When does the pass expire?
Your pass lasts for the entire semester plus a built-in grace period:
| Semester | Pass expires on |
|---|---|
| Fall | MLK Jr. Day in January |
| Spring | Labor Day in September |
Can I opt-out of the Transportation Fee?
This is a mandatory, non-refundable fee associated with tuition costs for attending the University. The only students who are pre-approved not to pay the fee are:
- Post-secondary option high school students
- Regents Scholarship recipients
- Students registered in off-campus, non-metro courses
- Students registered in Online and Distance Learning courses
If you believe that you fit these categories and have paid the fee, please contact One Stop.
If you do not fit into the above categories but would still like to apply to opt-out, complete this form. Submitting the form does not guarantee a waiver.
What groups are ineligible for this program?
Ineligible groups include, but are not limited to: full-time faculty and staff (See the Employee Transit Pass), Regents Scholarship recipients, participants in the Senior Citizen Education Program (SCEP), and students in off-site or remote-only programs. Program eligibility is determined by a person’s status within academic programs, tuition groups, and PeopleSoft categories that are set by the college or department.
All exceptions
Academic plans excluded
- Visiting (graduate non-degree)
- Management of Technology MSMOT
- Software Engineering MSSE
- Software Engineering (graduate non-degree)
- Infrastructure Systems Engineer MSISE
- Clinical Training Certificate (Vet Med)
- Foreign Graduate Training Certificate
- Swine Medicine Certificate (Vet Med)
- Doctor of Business Administration DBA
- Talented Youth Math Program
- All other high school programs (e.g., CIS, PSEO)
- Medical Z certs - Med fellowship/residency
Academic sub plans excluded
- Online program (various) (ONLINE)
- Carlson Executive Masters of Business Administration
- China Executive MBA (CHEMBA)
- Online Master of Business Administration (ONLINE MBA)
- Vienna Masters of Business Administration (VEMBA)
- Warsaw Masters of Business Administration (WMBA)
- Online Master of Business Taxation (ONLINE MBT)
- Non-Traditional Option (Pharm D/Pharm non-degree)
- RPAP/MetroPAP LIC Emphasis (Medicine MD)
PeopleSoft student groups excluded
- Regents Scholarship
- Academic/Prof Tuition Benefit/Regents Scholarship
- Associated Colleges Waiver
- CFANS Student Exchange
- Humphrey Inst Int's Exc Waiver
- CSE Full Tuition Waiver
- Law Exchange Students
- Senior Citizens
Other exclusions
- Medical/MD students on approved leave of absence
- Rochester students (34UGR) (regardless of class location)
- If all enrolled class locations are off-campus or Rochester
- Students only registered in classes set up as fee in lieu of tuition at course level or class section level
- Students who are not enrolled
