Spring '08 passes are valid January 22 - May 17, 2008.
Summer 2008 passes are valid May 18 - August 24, 2008.
Fall '08 passes are valid August 25, 2008 - January 19, 2009.

U-Pass is the ultimate transit pass that provides unlimited rides 24 hours a day. It's valid on all regular metro-area bus routes, as well as express, local, limited-stop, or Downtown Zone routes. Metro Transit is the primary bus line running in the Twin Cities area, providing service to just about any destination you desire. U-Pass may not, however, be used on some special event services.

NEW FOR FALL 2007, U-Pass has just converted to a more advanced technology called the Go-To card system. That means three things:

1- U-Pass is now RENEWABLE. Students will no longer receive a new U-Pass every semester. They can renew it online every semester for up to six years. Once renewed online, charges are automatically posted to the student account. Students simply continue using their pass.

Note: keep track of your U-Pass like you keep your U Card... not just for one semester, but for your whole college career. As an example, if you order U-Pass in Fall, then skip Spring, and decide to re-order again the following Fall, you will need to have kept the U-Pass from the first semester. If you lost or misplaced it, a replacement U-Pass will need to be purchased for an additional $12 over the semester pass cost. Click here to order a replacement U-Pass online.

2- The card is easier to use. The new U-Pass utilizes chip-embedded technology. To use it, touch the card to the reader. On buses, the Go-To blue reader is located to the right of the farebox. At rail stations, the reader is located next to the ticket vending machine.

3- U-Passes will no longer have photos on the back of them. This means that if a fare inspector is checking your identity, you will need to have your U Card along with your U-Pass. Carry both of them at all times.

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Eligibility
Any current registered student at the University of Minnesota who has a U Card and has paid the transportation fee is eligible for U-Pass.

Price
For Fall 2007, the price of U-Pass will be $64 for the semester. That price covers a full semester of unlimited bus rides.

Additionally, all students (regardless of whether they order the U-Pass) are assessed a mandatory $16 transportation fee with their tuition. This transportation fee helps to support all Parking and Transportation services, including the campus shuttle system and U-Pass.

Term

Spring 2008 passes are valid from January 22 through May 17, 2008.

Summer 2008 passes are valid May 18 - August 24, 2008.

Fall 2008 passes are valid August 25, 2008 - January 19, 2009.

Savings
A typical monthly bus pass costs $76 per month. In Fall 2007, U-Pass will cost $64 per semester. This means that the average student bus rider saves 75% a semester.

Ordering
New this year, if you select U.S. mail as your delivery option, you can now enter a different address immediately without first changing your OneStop information. Plus, order processing is much quicker - you can pick up your pass 24 hours after you place your order.

Additionally, there are new, more convenient pick-up locations:

• Coffman Memorial Union Information Desk, First Floor, 300 Washington Avenue SE - Hours at www.coffman.umn.edu/info

• St. Paul Student Union Information Desk, Lower Level, 2017 Buford Avenue - Hours at www.spsc.umn.edu/info

(Avoid the lines - pick up your U-Pass before fall semester begins.)

Click on http://buspass.umn.edu to order a U-Pass now.

How to use your U-Pass
When taking a bus, just touch your U-Pass to the Go-To circle on the reader. Each bus has a blue card reader on the right as you board. Be ready to show the driver your current and valid Student ID card if asked.

At rail stations, touch your card to the Go-To circle on the reader next to the ticket machine. While you ride, be ready to show your U-Pass and Student ID to the fare inspector if asked.

Bus Service
Metro Transit provides most of the regular route bus service in the Twin Cities. U-Pass is also accepted on Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Southwest Metro Transit, Maple Grove Transit, Plymouth Metrolink, North Suburban Lines, BE-Line, Roseville Circulator, Route 55, and other contract services. More than 30 bus routes from all over the Twin Cities serve the University campus.

Specific bus route information can be found online at www.metrotransit.org through the interactive Trip Planner. For those who already know their route numbers, bus schedule displays are located at the St. Paul Student Center, the West Bank Skyway, and Coffman Memorial Union's Commuter Lounge. To speak with a representative or to access 24-hour automated route and schedule information, individuals can call the Transit Information Center at 612-373-3333 (TTY 612-341-0140).

Metro Transit's "How to Ride Guide" is available at Parking and Transportation Services, Coffman Memorial Union Information Desk and St. Paul Student Center Information Desk. You can have it mailed to you by calling the Transit Information Center, or you can view it online through www.metrotransit.org.

Buses also carry TAKEOUT, a monthly newsletter containing information about service changes, special programs, and bus riding tips.

For more information on U-Pass, contact Parking and Transportation Services at 612-624-1523.

Bikes
Many buses have bike racks so you can bike one way, or just part of the way, and ride the bus for the rest of your journey. Bikes and buses are a great combination to get to and around campus.

Once you get to campus, more than 6,000 bike rack spaces are available. All full-size Campus Shuttle buses and Metro Transit buses are equipped with racks. Bike racks hold two bikes and accommodate any bike style or size. Using the bike racks is easy, and they have been thoroughly tested for safety and ease of use.

Environment
Mass transit is an environmentally-friendly alternative to single-occupancy vehicles. U-Pass will reduce daily carbon monoxide emissions. A bus carrying as few as seven passengers is more fuel-efficient than the average single-occupancy vehicle.

Accessibility
Regional transit providers are committed to providing accessible service for people of all mobility levels. Call the Transit Information Center at 612-373-3333 to determine which routes currently provide accessible service.

Guaranteed Ride Home
U-Pass users have the chance to sign up for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program through Metro Transit. You will receive coupons redeemable for cab fare. Use them when the unexpected happens, like having to work late or missing your bus. You will need to pay the fare and receive a signed and dated receipt from the driver. Metro Transit will reimburse you up to $25 for your cab fare. The program costs you nothing. If you would like more information or would like to sign up, contact Metro Transit at 612-373-3333 or visit http://www.metrotransit.org.