FAQ Transit Passes - U-Pass/Metropass Answers
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| What is U-Pass? |
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It’s a deeply-discounted unlimited-ride transit pass for University students. Ride anywhere in the Twin Cities, 24/7, for just $97 a semester.
- Renewable online each semester
- Qualifies you for the Guaranteed Ride Home program
- Charges are automatically posted to your student account. (U-Pass charges are not eligible for the Installment Payment Plan. Payment must be made in full by the due date.) Student account information
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Eligibility – Students must:
- Be registered for a current semester credit-bearing course on the Twin Cities campus.
- Have paid the transportation fee.
- Possess a U Card with a valid student ID number.
- It is NOT possible to get a U-Pass if you don't have a U Card.
- Have an active U of M Internet account with ID and password.
U of M Internet account information
- Work 30 hours or less if employed at a University position. (See the exceptions.) University of Minnesota staff and faculty on a Regents Scholarship are not eligible for U-Pass, but you can take advantage of the discounted Metropass.
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Terms
Spring Semester 2009: January 20 – May 16
Summer Semester 2009: May 17 – August 30
Fall Semester 2009: August 31 - January 18, 2010
Spring Semester 2010: January 19 - May 15
Summer Semester 2010: May 16 - August 29
Pick-up – at a distribution center. Passes can also be mailed.
- Coffman Memorial Union Information Desk (hours)
- St. Paul Student Center Information Desk (hours)
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Summer U-Pass – To qualify, students need to meet the criteria above with a spring or summer semester credit-bearing course.
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| What is Metropass? |
It’s a deeply-discounted unlimited-ride transit pass for University staff or faculty. Ride anywhere in the Twin Cities, 24/7, for just $74 per month.
- Valid until you cancel.
- Qualifies you for the Guaranteed Ride Home program
- Charges are deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis. (In some cases, pass holders will be billed for their pass on a quarterly basis.)
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Eligibility - Staff/faculty must:
- Be on the University of Minnesota payroll.
- Work at least 20 hours a week.
- Possess a valid U Card.
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Pick-up – at the PTS office (Room 300, Transportation and Safety Building, 511 Washington Avenue SE) or mailed. You’ll be notified via e-mail when the pass is ready.
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| Who is eligible for U-Pass? |
University of Minnesota students. Students must:
- Be registered for a current semester credit-bearing course on the Twin Cities campus.
- Have paid the transportation fee.
- Possess a valid U Card.
- Have an active U of M Internet account with ID and password.
U of M Internet account information
- Work 30 hours or less if employed at a University position. (See the exceptions below.) University of Minnesota staff and faculty on a Regents Scholarship are not eligible for U-Pass, but you can take advantage of the discounted Metropass.
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Exceptions (job classifications beginning with #9500)
Teaching Assistant
Undergrad Teaching Assistant I
Undergrad Teaching Assistant II
Prof School Project Assistant
MD Student Project Assistant
Advanced Masters Teaching Assistant
PhD Candidate Teaching Assistant
Research Assistant
Undergrad Research Asst I
Undergrad Research Asst II
Undergrad Research Asst (non-U student)
Undergrad Teaching Asst (non-U student)
Advanced Master Research Asst
PhD Candidate Research Asst
Administrative Fellow
Advanced Masters Admin Fellow
PhD Candidate Admin Fellow
Professional Program Assistant
Legal Project Asst (w/o tuition benefits)
Pharmacy Associate
Pre-Doctoral Assistant
Post-Doctoral Associate
Extension Summer Assistant
Veterinary Medical Assistant |
Veterinary Medical Associate
Pre-Doctoral Fellow
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Dental Fellow
Medical Fellow - Grad Program
Medical Fellow
Medical Resident
Psychology Fellow
Psychology Fellow Specialist
Medical Resident - Grad Program
National Research Service Award Fellow
Graduate School Fellow
Graduate School Trainee
Dental Fellow Specialist
Professional School Fellow
Professional School Trainee
Summer Term TA (w/o tuition benefits)
Summer Term RA (w/o tuition benefits)
Summer Term AF (w/o tuition benefits)
Summer Session TA (w/o tuition benefits)
Summer Session TA (w/o tuition benefits)
Graduate Internship/Off-Campus
Professional Intern Off-Campus |
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| Who is eligible for Metropass? |
University of Minnesota staff and faculty. Staff/faculty must:
- Be on the University of Minnesota payroll.
- Work at least 20 hours a week.
- Possess a valid U Card.
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| Can I sign up at any time? |
Just about. You can sign up for Metropass any time throughout the year.
Typically, we suspend sales on U-Pass for 3-4 days each semester while we convert the system to the next semester term. The cost is the same throughout the semester so the earlier you purchase it, the more you save. Once you have the U-Pass card, you can simply renew it from semester to semester.
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| How do I pay for my U-Pass? |
Charges are automatically posted to your student account. U-Pass charges are not eligible for the Installment Payment Plan. Payment must be made in full by the due date. Student account information
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| How long will it take to get my U-Pass? |
The quickest way is to pick it up at one of the convenient distribution centers. Passes can be picked up 2 hours after placing an order. Mailed U-Passes will take 4-6 business days to arrive.
- Coffman Memorial Union Information Desk (hours)
- St. Paul Student Center Information Desk (hours)
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| How long is U-Pass good for? |
Your order will activate your U-Pass card for one semester, including the break.
Terms
Fall Semester 2008: August 25 – January 19, 2009
Spring Semester 2009: January 20 – May 16
Summer Semester 2009: May 17 – August 23
Fall Semester 2009: August 31, 2009 - January 18, 2010
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| Can I buy more than one U-Pass? |
No. Your pass is renewable for subsequent semesters.
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| Can my friends use my U-Pass? |
Absolutely not. Lending out your U-Pass may result in confiscation of the pass. Confiscated passes will not be returned.
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| Can my friend/relative pick up my U-Pass? |
Nope. Only you can order and pick-up your U-Pass.
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| What happens if my U-Pass is lost, stolen or it doesn’t work properly? |
For damaged, lost or stolen passes, fill out the online form to obtain a replacement card. U-Pass replacements can be picked up at either Coffman Memorial Union or St. Paul Student Center within a few hours.
Customers requesting a replacement for a lost or stolen pass will be assessed a $7 fee. Damaged passes will be exchanged for a new one. If you have questions, call the U-Pass coordinator at 612-624-1523 or e-mail buspass@umn.edu.
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| Does U-Pass/Metropass work on express and suburban routes? |
Yes. However, a supplemental fare is necessary for Northstar route #888, Route #856 and Route #288. It may not be used on some special event services, e.g. State Fair shuttles.
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| Does U-Pass/Metropass work on light rail? |
Yes. Trains do not have fare boxes. U-Pass/Metropass holders must touch their pass to the Go-To reader adjacent to the ticket machine at the rail station. Be prepared to show your pass and U Card to the fare inspector if asked. Non-paying riders are fined $180.
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| Do I use U-Pass/Metropass on campus shuttles? |
There’s no need. All campus shuttles are free to everyone.
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| What does U-Pass and Metropass look like? |
Like this. It’s similar in size to a driver’s license and fits in a wallet.
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| Do I show my pass to the bus driver or do I put it in the farebox? |
Neither. When boarding the bus, touch your card to the Go-To circle on the reader located to the right of the farebox.
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| How do I order a U-Pass or Metropass? |
Orders are taken online. Click here.
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| How do I take care of my U-Pass/Metropass? |
Your access information is encoded in the card so keep your pass flat and away from heat and magnets. Do not fold, laminate or punch holes in your pass.
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| How is the U-Pass/Metropass program funded? |
In 2000, PTS received a 2-year federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality grant to establish U-Pass/Metropass. The goal was to increase transit use at the U by at least 40% over 2 years in order to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled, thus greatly cutting carbon monoxide emissions. The goal was achieved and surpassed. U-Pass currently is supported through user fees and the student transportation fee. The Metropass is currently supported through user fees and University parking revenues.
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| How long will it take to get my Metropass? |
If you elect to pick it up at the PTS office (TSB, 511 Washington Avenue SE, 3rd floor), plan for 2-3 business days. Mailed U-Passes will take, on average, 7-10 business days to arrive. You’ll be notified via e-mail when your pass is ready.
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| How long will Metropass last? |
The pass automatically renews every month until you cancel it. Your card will be replaced every 3-5 years depending on wear.
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| How does Metropass save me money over other passes or paying per ride? |
In two ways. First, you save up front because PTS subsidizes the program so your actual cost can be lowered. The cost of an average 31-day buspass from Metro Transit is $85/month.
Secondly, your Metropass fee is deducted from your payroll check on a pre-tax basis. Your actual savings from pre-tax deduction will vary depending on your income level.
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| Do I pay for an entire month of service if I purchase or cancel my pass during the month? |
No. Your cost is pro-rated to the exact dates that you begin and end your pass. You are charged only for that time period. But it’s important to note that you will be charged for the pass until you officially cancel it.
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| Can I cancel my Metropass? |
Yes, at any time. Your Metropass can be canceled by mailing or dropping it off to our office, including a signed sheet of paper with the requested effective date of cancel, your name, employee ID number, and signature. If you cancel, you must wait 60 days before you are eligible once again.
Payroll deductions will continue until we receive the card and letter. If you leave the University without turning in your pass, you will be billed for its street value until you cancel.
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| Can anyone else use my Metropass? |
No, only you can. The pass is personalized with your photo and name. Lending out your Metropass may result in confiscation of the pass. Confiscated passes will not be returned.
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| What happens if my Metropass is lost, stolen or it doesn’t work properly? |
For damaged, lost or stolen passes, fill out the online form to obtain a replacement card. You will receive an e-mail when your pass is ready. Replacements can be picked up at the PTS main office (TSB, 511 Washington Avenue SE, 3rd floor).
Customers requesting a replacement for a lost or stolen pass will be assessed a $7 fee. Damaged passes will be exchanged for a new one. If you have questions, call the Metropass coordinator at 612-624-1523 or e-mail buspass@umn.edu.
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| Do I need to notify PTS if I change my address or phone number? |
Yes, please do. PTS doesn’t coordinate the Metropass database with the U of M’s PeopleSoft system. Please inform us at buspass@umn.edu. Also we encourage you to visit University One Stop and update your personal information.
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