- Full fare coverage on Metro Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit and Sound Transit buses
- Full fare coverage on Sounder Commuter train service
- Full fare coverage for paratransit services
- Subsidized vanpool fares
- Emergency Ride Home program (faculty and staff only)
Story by Peter Kaljian
Ever wonder how far you can travel using only the UPASS? We have a map, a guide, and a compiled list of tools to help link you exactly where you need to go.
From Everett to Dupont, see the routes, stops, and trip planning essentials to substitute your drive for a stress-free bus or train ride. It's so much easier if you can spend your commute reading, studying, or just relaxing before and after your day at school. Get connected to the UPASS network!
Initial Activation for New U-PASS Members
Employees: For fully-subsidized or opt-in U-PASS holders, the U-PASS will activate within 12-24 hours of receiving their Husky Card (fully-subsidized employees) or purchasing a U-PASS.
Students: The U-PASS will continue to activate eight days before the quarter starts (for students registered by the registration deadline). Please see the academic calendar for specific dates. If you registered less than nine days before the start of the quarter, you can use your U-PASS 12-24 hours after registering.
Continuing Members
To maintain your U-PASS activation between quarters, you must be registered for classes nine days prior to the next quarter start. If you do not do this, your U-PASS will be deactivated.
Not registered for Autumn quarter? Unfortunately, you will not be eligible for the Universal U-PASS, but you may be eligible to purchase a TEMP Pass if you meet the criteria for a UW temporary or hourly employee. Email transit@uw.edu for more information.
Reactivation
U-PASS members that experience errors after using their card should submit a reactivation request or reach out to us at transit@uw.edu. Your U-PASS will be available for use on transit 12 to 24 hours after you submit your reactivation request.
U-PASS Activation on a 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. New U-PASS customers no longer need to tap their cards within 60 days of receiving it in order to activate their cards. This effort marks the start of ongoing improvements to the regional ORCA system over the next several years.
Using Your U-PASS
Faculty, staff and students who purchase U-PASS will be able to use it for payment on buses, Sounder trains and Link light rail. Riders simply tap their Husky card (with the U-PASS product activated) on the ORCA reader to show proof of payment. While the regional ORCA program allows access to ferry passes and fare payment, ferry service is not included with the U-PASS product. Ferry riders can purchase an ORCA card or WaveToGo card for fare payment.
Check out our video for a demonstration!
- Tap your Husky Card on the logo on the ORCA card reader at the front of the bus.
- Pause until you see the green light and hear the beep.
- Depending on your route, you may tap your card on the ORCA reader either upon boarding or exiting.
- Tap your Husky Card on the logo on the ORCA card reader at the station prior to boarding.*
- Pause until you see the green light and hear the beep.
- You must tap your card prior to boarding. You may be asked to provide your Husky Card to a fare inspector who will check for proof of payment. If you have not tapped your card on the reader prior to boarding, you may be subject to a citation and a $124 fine.
*At RapidRide stations, you have the option to tap your Husky Card on the ORCA reader at the station or on the reader on the bus as you enter.
- Tap your Husky Card on the logo on the ORCA card reader at the station prior to boarding.
- Pause until you see the green light and hear the beep.
- Tap on the reader at the destination station after exiting the train.
You may be asked to provide your Husky Card to a fare inspector on the train who will check for proof of payment. If you have not tapped your card on the reader prior to boarding, you may be subject to a citation and a $124 fine.
