WMATA Board of Directors approves expansion of U-Pass program to reach more students across the region

Today, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Board of Directors voted to approve a major expansion and modernization of Metro’s University Pass (U-Pass) program, an initiative designed to give more college students affordable, unlimited access to transit while supporting ridership growth and institutional partnerships.

Approved as part of Metro’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.

“U-Pass is a win for students, universities and the entire region and another example of continuous improvements for our customers,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke.“By expanding the program and introducing flexible options, we’re opening the door for more institutions to participate, giving more students affordable, reliable access to transit every day.”

“This program reflects Metro’s steadfast commitment to expanding opportunity through mobility,” said Valerie Santos, Chair of the WMATA Board of Directors. “Whether it’s an early-morning lab at the University of Maryland, a late-night study session at George Washington University, or a part-time job near George Mason University, U-Pass gives students the freedom to move confidently across our region. When we make it easier for students to ride Metro today, we’re investing in a generation that will depend on and champion public transit tomorrow.”

“I believe deeply in our public transit system, and am proud to represent higher education as a community member for the DMVMoves task force. As the largest non-Federal employers serving over 300,000 students in the region, I am glad that WMATA continues to evolve their U-Pass program to allow more of our universities to participate. While there is more we can do, this is a welcome step forward for our students and our region.” said Andrew Flagel, president and CEO of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

“Our colleges and universities are our biggest employers in the region, and it just makes sense to expand this partnership and grow transit ridership across the region. I applaud Metro and the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area for advancing our DMVMoves vison for more seamless, integrated, world-class transit,” said Clark Mercer, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Since launching as a pilot in 2016 with American University, U-Pass has grown into a regional mobility program serving more than 35,000 students and generating roughly 4.6 million trips in fiscal year 2025.

Regionwide, 43 colleges and universities are eligible to participate, representing a potential reach of about 360,000 students across the National Capital region. The new program changes will be implemented during the fall 2026-2027 school year.

New Program Options

Currently, the daily cost of transit for participating students is about $1 through U-Pass, compared with roughly $7.20 in standard daily fares for students who are not using U-Pass.

The updated U-Pass structure provides colleges and universities with flexible participation models:

Universal Model: Retains the current base rate of about $1 per day for unlimited rides when 100% of eligible students participate.

Opt-In Model: Offers an alternative structure of about $1.75 per day with a minimum student participation level of 33%.

Customizable Terms: Institutions can customize the student who can enroll, such as part-time, community college, undergraduate, and graduate, and make adjustments annually to fit campus needs. The new program would also tie future respective daily rates to Board approved fare increases.

Expanding Access and Opportunity

Metro’s growth strategy aims to expand eligibility beyond current parameters and attract additional educational partners. Future opportunities under evaluation include extending access to part-time students, faculty and staff, as well as introducing more flexible pricing models for institutions.

The initiative also aligns with Metro’s broader goals of improving service excellence, strengthening financial sustainability, and expanding regional partnerships, a focus of DMVMoves.

Regional Impact

By encouraging transit use among students, U-Pass reduces transportation costs, connects campuses to jobs and internships, and supports local businesses by improving access to commercial districts. Universities benefit from reduced parking demand and stronger transportation options for their students.

About Metro 

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is the region’s leading public transportation provider, serving a population of approximately four million people across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia within a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction. With a network of six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and a door-to-door paratransit service, Metro is the second busiest transit system in the United States with a $5 billion operating and capital budget. Since 2022, Metro has completed multiple transit-oriented development projects that have brought $15 million in tax revenue to the region from housing, office, and retail space in our community. Safety and security are a priority at Metro. Over 30,000 cameras monitor the system, and Metro’s crime rate is the lowest it’s been in history, with fare evasion down 82% on Metrorail and Metrobus. In 2025, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) named Metro the Transit Agency of the Year in recognition of industry-leading ridership growth, record high customer satisfaction, a newly redesigned bus network, expanded rail service, and improved customer experience.