Experience the convenience of free, unlimited rides on St. Louis Metro Transit through WashU’s Metro U-Pass program. Get around the metropolitan region with ease using MetroBuses, the MetroLink light-rail system, Call-A-Ride paratransit service for ADA-eligible customers and Madison County buses. Tap into accessible and eco-friendly transportation right now.

Eligibility for a WashU Metro U-Pass

If you are a full-time registered student, a benefits-eligible faculty and staff member, or a full-time employee of basic service contractors, you can register for a U-Pass for free. 

There are no restrictions on the area or times the pass is valid. If you use your U-Pass as your primary mode of transportation to and from campus and do not have another parking permit, you can also enroll in our Daily Use Program.

To ride all Metro St. Louis transit services, you must have a current U-Pass and WashU ID or pay applicable fares. Follow Metro St. Louis on social media for real-time updates.

Register Online for U-Pass

Student U-Pass

You must be registered as a full-time student for the semester you are requesting. 

First-year students do not need to register. WashU automatically registers first-year students for the Metro U-Pass, which they will receive during move-in. 

  • You must renew your U-Pass each semester
  • Use your WASHU Key

Troubleshooting

Our system updates once daily. If you have completed your registration and attempt to request your U-Pass immediately, you may be declared ineligible. If you are having difficulty with the U-Pass application process, contact the University Services Center for assistance. 

Register for your U-Pass now

Employee U-Pass

Available to benefits-eligible faculty, staff, post-doctorals, and fellows. 

New employees: There is a short waiting period before U-Pass eligibility is finalized for new employees. You can typically request a U-Pass within one week of your start date. 

  • Must renew annually
  • Use your WashU Key
  • Login help: 314-935-5707

Troubleshooting

If you are a benefits-eligible employee who has been employed with WashU for longer than the week-long waiting period and received a system notification that you are not eligible, contact the University Services Center for assistance. 

Register for your U-Pass now

Benefits of the U-Pass Program

WashU provides the U-Pass program to:

  • Enable public transit and reduced commuting costs for approximately 25,000 members of the WashU community and provide ongoing major funding and support for public transportation services in the St. Louis region.
  • Includes expanded and faster Metro service between WashU campuses and facilities in St. Louis and St. Louis County while reducing parking demands on campus.
  • Create positive environmental impacts through the use of alternative fuels, elimination of duplicate services, and reduced automobile usage and roadway congestion.
  • Provide greater access for students to participate in internships and community service opportunities and to take advantage of cultural and entertainment venues in the region.
  • Offer ADA-accessible trains, buses and services for those who need it.
  • Further bicycle transportation.

The following regulations strictly apply to the U-Pass program. Fraudulent or unauthorized use of a U-Pass will lead to possible University disciplinary action, confiscation of the pass, revocation of the program benefit, and/or potential issuance of a citation from law enforcement officers for fare evasion.

  • The U-Pass is nontransferable and is valid only when used by the eligible individual to whom it was initially issued.
  • The U-Pass is valid only when issued through Washington University Parking & Transportation Services.
  • The U-Pass is valid for access to the Metro system only when presented, along with a valid Washington University ID, by an eligible member of the Washington University community. 
  • Passengers who fail to present a valid WashU ID with the U-Pass are required to pay the cash fare for access to the bus. In addition, on the train, the U-Pass could be confiscated, and law enforcement officers could issue a citation for fare evasion.
  • If an individual is no longer registered, appointed or employed, a valid U-Pass must be returned to Parking & Transportation Services. The value of a valid U-Pass will be reported as income for an employee who, for any reason, is no longer employed and does not return their U-Pass before their separation date.

Return passes to:

University Services Center

MSC 1200-423-1110

One Brookings Drive

St. Louis, MO 63130

  • The U-Pass must be renewed each semester for students and contractors and annually for employees. The expiration date is printed on the U-Pass.
  • Lost or stolen U-Passes must be reported to Parking & Transportation Services immediately.
  • Metro does not allow eating or drinking on its vehicles. Failure to comply with this policy on the train could result in a citation from law enforcement officers.
  • I agree to abide by all published University policies pertaining to the U-Pass program as well as Washington University transportation rules, regulations and guidelines.
  • I understand that my U-Pass is for my use only and cannot be transferred to anyone else under any circumstance.
  • I understand that fraudulent or unauthorized use of a U-Pass will lead to possible University disciplinary action, confiscation of the pass, revocation of the program benefit, and/or possible issuance of a citation from law enforcement officers for fare evasion.
  • I confirm that the above information is accurate.
  • I understand that the provision of services may be revoked or suspended at any time. 
  • I understand that passengers are responsible for their own health and safety and Washington University assumes no liability for damages or injuries arising out of the provision of these transportation services.

Replacing or Returning a U-Pass

Student U-Pass Replacement

If you lose your U-Pass, you may obtain a replacement from the University Services Center in person. When you come to the office, you must fill out a short form and present your photo ID. Students must pay a replacement fee of $25 in person by credit card.

Faculty/Staff U-Pass Replacement

If you lose your U-Pass, you may obtain a replacement from the University Services Center in person. When you come to the office, you must fill out a short form and present your photo ID. Faculty/staff members must pay a replacement fee of $50 in person by credit card. If you need to replace your U-Pass after January 1 (of the current academic year), the prorated replacement fee is $25.

Employees leaving the University

If you are leaving WashU permanently, return your U-Pass to the University Services Center. If you fail to return it, you may be billed for the cost of your U-Pass. If you are taking a temporary leave or if you are an employee who works only nine months out of the year, you may keep your U-Pass during your leave as long as you are receiving continuous benefits from WashU.