Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Local transit agencies have announced the following plans to resume charging for bus, train and light rail service. We will update this page as more announcements are made.

Effective Monday, June 1:

  • Sound Transit is resuming fare collection on Link light rail and Sounder trains.
    • Temporarily reduced “Recovery Fares” will be be available via app and vending machines but cannot be used for transfer
    • ORCA cards will be charged full fare and can be used for transfers.
  • Community Transit will begin collecting fares on Swift Blue and Swift Green buses. All other fares will remain suspended for the month of June.

Effective Sunday, June 14:

  • Pierce Transit will reinstate fares for all buses and SHUTTLE paratransit vehicles.

Please see each transit agency’s website for the latest on their fare collection plans and safety protocols. You may also wish to sign for e-mail or text alerts:

U-PASS impacts

Students

The Universal Student U-PASS was deactivated for Spring Quarter and the fee waived. The Student U-PASS Advisory Board is considering whether to extend this deactivation through Summer Quarter. For now, please be aware that if you board a transit service that has resumed fare collection, you will need to purchase your ticket separately as your U-PASS will not be activated.

If you would like to purchase an optional student U-PASS while the Transportation Services office remains closed, please email ucommute@uw.edu and one of our team will assist you with your options.

If you are not eligible for a U-PASS at this time, your income level may qualify you for reduced transit rates through the ORCA LIFT program.

Faculty and staff

If you have canceled your employee-paid annual U-PASS and would like to purchase one again, you can do so online. Please do so by Friday, May 29 if you wish it to be active on Monday, June 1.

Buy an annual U-PASS

If you have a fully subsidized U-PASS, you do not need to do anything.

If you would like to purchase a temporary or part-time employee U-PASS while the Transportation Services office remains closed, please email ucommute@uw.edu and one of our team will assist you with your options.