U-PASS

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Benefits

Your U-PASS gives you these benefits with a tap of your Husky Card: 

Exclusions:

The U-PASS function on your Husky Card does not have “Electronic Purse” capabilities.

Eligibility & Activation

U-PASS for Students

Student Eligibility

In most cases, your tuition includes a mandatory U-PASS fee. If you pay the fee, you are eligible for U-PASS benefits and they should automatically activate on your Husky ID Card. There are some cases where the U-PASS fee is not included, such as some graduate-level programs and courses that do not include standard tuition.

Programs that do not include the U-PASS fee in their tuition:

  • Study abroad courses
  • MCL - Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership
  • MSACC - Master of Accounting
  • GCSD - Graduate Certificate in Software Design

If the U-PASS fee was not included in your tuition, you may purchase a temporary U-PASS card. These cards are $60 and are valid for 3 calendar months.

Activation & Maintaining Benefits

There's no need to sign up or activate your benefits - they will start and stop working automatically according to the calendar below.

 

Autumn 2023

 Winter 2024 Spring 2024 Summer 2024
Deadline to register for classes to ensure advance U-PASS activation Sep 17, 2023 Dec 24, 2023 Mar 15, 2024 Jun 7, 2024
Advance U-PASS activation for students registered by deadline Sep 19, 2023 Dec 26, 2023 Mar 17, 2024 Jun 9, 2024
U-PASS activation for students registered after deadline 2 days after registration
Last day to register for upcoming quarter to keep continuous service Dec 24, 2023 Mar 15, 2024 Jun 7, 2024 Sep 2 (Full Term)/ Sep 15 (A/B Terms)
U-PASS deactivation for students not registered for upcoming quarter Dec 25, 2023 Mar 16, 2024 Jun 8, 2024 Sep 3 (Full Term)/ Sep 16 (A/B Terms)

 

Replacement Husky Card

 

If your Husky Card is lost, stolen or damaged, your U-PASS will be electronically transferred to your replacement Husky Card. Your U-PASS will be available for use on transit 12 to 24 hours after your replacement Husky Card is issued.

TEMP U-PASS Card for Students

Purchase a 3-month Temp U-PASS Card

Students who are enrolled in courses that do not include the U-PASS fee in their tuition are eligible to purchase a 3-month Temp U-PASS for $60. Supplies are limited!

How to purchase

  1. Click the button below to fill out our webform.
  2. Transportation Services will confirm your eligibility to purchase a Temp U-PASS Card.
  3. We will email you the purchase link once your eligibility is confirmed.
  4. Visit our online store to complete your purchase. You can pay with credit/debit or an electronic check.
  5. Pick up your U-PASS card at the Transportation Services office in MDS 113.

Purchase a Temp U-PASS

Temp U-PASS Valid Dates

These temporary cards have predetermined start and end dates, which do not follow the academic quarter schedule. Please pay attention to these as they cannot be changed!

  Start Date End Date
Winter January 1 March 31
Spring April 1 June 30
Summer July 1 September 30
Fall October 1 December 31

 

 

Not eligible for a Temp U-PASS? Get an ORCA Card

Anyone can get an ORCA card and load funds on it as needed. Learn more about the ORCA card. The ORCA card has several options for reduced fares for qualified riders!

  • Children ages 5 and younger ride free with a paying adult passenger
  • Riders age 6 - 18 ride free (show your school ID or get a Youth ORCA card)
  • Low income households can get reduced fares with ORCA Lift
  • Riders age 65 and over, as well as qualified disabled and medicare customers, can get reduced fares with the Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP)
  • Residents of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties who are at or below 80% of the federal poverty level and are enrolled in one of six state benefit programs can obtain a subsidized annual pass valid for travel on King County Metro and Sound Transit services
U-PASS for Staff & Faculty

Employee Eligibility

As of July 1, 2022, all paid University of Washington employees receive a fully subsidized U-PASS as part of their employment benefits.

This does not include:

  • student hourly employees
  • academic student employees
  • unpaid academics or affiliates
  • other appointees who are not paid

Activation

There's no need to sign up or activate your benefits - they will start working automatically. Your U-PASS will activate within 12 to 24 hours of receiving your Husky Card.

Replacement Husky Card

If your Husky Card is lost, stolen or damaged, your U-PASS will be electronically transferred to your replacement Husky Card. Your U-PASS will be available for use on transit 12 to 24 hours after your replacement Husky Card is printed.

Using your U-PASS

Just tap your Husky Card on an ORCA card reader (found at the front of buses or mounted on a wall or pole at Link, Sounder or Swift stations) to use your U-PASS.

  • RapidRide stations: tap on the ORCA reader (don't forget to wait for the green light) at the station OR on the bus as you enter
  • Buses: tap on the ORCA reader when you board the bus
  • Rail (Link & Sounder): tap the ORCA reader once before entering the train AND tap again at your destination station as you leave. Don't forget! Your fare is based on how far you travel.

If the ORCA Reader doesn't beep & flash a green light

If you tap your U-PASS on an ORCA card reader and you don’t get a beep and green light:

  • try again, making sure to tap your card on the ORCA logo at the center of the card reader
  • hold your card there for several seconds
  • separate your Husky Card from any other cards with RFID technology
  • check for the ORCA logo on your Husky Card - if your ID is old and doesn't have the RFID chip, you will need to get a new card

If you still do not get a positive response, log into your MyUW account with your phone and click on the Accounts tab. You can show that your U-PASS membership is current/active and use it as a “flash pass” for the driver.

Protect your Husky Card

It is important to protect your Husky Card and the U-PASS RFID chip from damage. Follow these tips to keep your card functioning for as long as possible:

  • Do not bend your Husky Card.
  • Do not punch a hole anywhere in your Husky Card.
  • Keep your Husky Card in a protective holder. Scratches to the magnetic strip and RFID chip can damage your card. Accessories to protect your card can be purchased at the Husky Card Account & ID Center.

If you believe your card has been damaged, you can have the RFID chip tested at the Office of the Registrar in MAT 251.

Get help with your U-PASS

When this happens... Here's what you should do...

ORCA readers flash red or display Insufficient Funds when you hold up your card

AND/OR

Your MyUW Accounts page does not show a current/active U-PASS membership

 You are likely not eligible for automatic enrollment in the U-PASS program. Check your eligibility and learn about alternative options.
ORCA readers do not respond at all (no lights or text displayed)

The U-PASS RFID chip in the card is likely damaged or nonfunctional.

Visit the Office of the Registrar in MAT 251 to have your card tested and/or get a replacement.
You are having trouble accessing campus buildings using your Husky Card Contact Campus Safety & Security in person (DOU 180) or by phone (253-692-4416) or email (uwtsafe@uw.edu).