The George Washington University is once again partnering with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) as the U-Pass program returns for another academic year after its launch last spring. For a $100 subsidized fee, eligible students have unlimited access to use Metrorail and Metrobus, the main source of public transportation in the capital region.
The fall 2022 program runs from Aug. 20 to Dec. 23. The spring program will be from Jan. 17 to Commencement Day on May 21.
GW students took advantage of the membership last spring, taking more than 1 million total rides, according to a Metro ridership survey.
“Students were really excited about the program and have continued to be about its return,” said GW Director of Auxiliary Services Leslie Ogus.
Metro charges GW $1 per day during the semester per enrolled student. Students pay a subsidized fee of $100 on their eBill, and the university covers the rest of the cost of the U-Pass transportation program.
Students have opportunities to make their money go a long way and can maximize their $100 quickly, whether they are getting to and from an internship opportunity, exploring the region’s many significant historical landmarks or just going to the grocery store.
A Metro trip three times a week to and from an internship on Capitol Hill would cost approximately $180 for the semester, netting a cost savings just from trips related to the internship. Also, a typical monthly unlimited pass on Metro is anywhere from $64 to $192 a month.
First-year students received their U-Pass card when they moved into their residence halls starting Saturday, Aug. 20, the first date of the fall program. Second-, third- and fourth-year undergraduate students can pick up their cards during move in August 18 and 19 and 26 to 28 at several residence hall location locations, including Munson, Fulbright, JBKO, Amsterdam, South, Dakota, FSK and Shenkman Halls, as well as 1959 E Street and the District House.
Graduate students in the U-Pass program can pick up their cards at the Grad Student Fair from 5 – 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the University Student Center.
General distribution for all students will be in Room 403 of the University Student Center on the following dates from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: on Aug. 26 and Aug. 29, as well as from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Aug. 30 and Aug. 31. Starting Sept. 6, students must visit the GWorld Card Office in the University Student Center to pick-up their U-Pass card. Undergraduate students who live off-campus should pick-up their U-Pass card at one of these dates.
U-Pass in Apple Wallet is coming soon. Metro is currently evaluating a pilot with selected students from participating U-Pass program schools who tested this new product.
