All Twin Cities benefits-eligible faculty and staff can receive unlimited access to all transit systems in the Twin Cities metro area—all on your U Card.
Rides on the NorthStar require a small supplemental fare for each ride beyond a certain point.
Employees with 75-100% appointments will receive the Employee Transit Pass (ETP) at no additional cost. Employees with 50-74% appointments who are eligible for benefits but no contributions from the University may opt-in at their cost via a pretax payroll deduction.
The ETP program provides equitable and accessible transportation for eligible employees and helps the University meet its sustainability goals in support of the Climate Action Plan.
Get the pass
Frequently asked questions
Will this pass interfere with the Go-To functionality on my U Card?
The Universal/Employee Transit Pass should not interfere with the Go-To functionality available on the U Card.
Will I need to replace my U Card for the pass to work?
Look at the issue date on the back of your card. If the date is July 1, 2016 or later, the card is compatible with new card readers. U Cards over five years old are eligible for a replacement card from the U Card Office at no cost.
You can view where to find the print date on the U Card Office's website.
Is the Northstar Line included in the pass?
Northstar fares are determined by the day of the week and distance traveled; there are no rush-hour fares on Northstar trains.
The Universal or Employee Transit Pass is valid for $3.25 toward your Northstar fare. Any remaining fare can be paid using stored value from your pass. Add value to your pass here.
How do I activate my transit pass?
After confirming your eligibility, follow the steps below. To determine your eligibility, visit the student or faculty/staff instruction page.
Tap your card
To activate your Universal Transit Pass, you must tap your U Card at a Light Rail Station or Rapid Bus Transit Station. When first tapping your U Card, you should hear a loud beep and a flash "GO".
If you see "GO"
Your pass has been activated. Enjoy its benefits through the end of the semester!
If you do not see "GO"
If you don't see the "GO" message, tap your U Card twice at least one hour apart at any location above. When you first tap, you will receive a message that says "Invalid." On the second tap, you will receive a "GO" message and hear a loud beep. Tapping for the second time before a full hour is up will cause the process to restart—so make sure to wait at least one full hour between taps.
How can I keep my U Card from getting damaged?
Be sure not to put your card near magnets or wireless chargers, such as cell phone chargers. Please refer to the U Card page with tips on basic card care.