Your way around the Metro.
University of Minnesota students who pay the Transportation and Safety Fee have unlimited access to the regional transit system in the Twin Cities metro area (rides on the NorthStar require a small supplemental fare for each ride). Students not paying the Transportation and Safety fee can opt-in to the program each semester.
1. Determine your eligibility
See if you pay the Transportation and Safety Fee
The Transportation and Safety Fee (TSF) is charged per semester based on the number of credits you are taking. To see if you pay the fee, view instructions on One Stop's website.
If you do pay
Students who pay the TSF are automatically eligible for the Universal Transit Pass on the first day of classes. Proceed to activate your pass!
If you do not pay
Most students who do not pay the TSF can opt-in for access to the Universal Transit Pass. To opt in and pay, use this portal.
Ineligible groups include Regents Scholarship, Senior Citizen Education Program, Online/Distance Learning, and Non-Degree seeking students. Graduate Professional Workers with a 95xx pay code may be eligible for the Employee Transit Pass.
2. Activate your pass
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 it's 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.
3. Use your pass
Once your pass is active, all you need to do is tap it every time you ride! Failing to tap your U Card for each ride could result in a citation.
Enhances equity
Reduces cost
The Universal Transit Pass model reduces the annual cost of a transit pass by 74% - that's a big savings! The estimated weekly cost of the UTP is only $1.75.
Expands access
The UTP expands student access to healthy, affordable food options. It also allows for budgeted commuting between home, work, and school!
Helps the environment
Reduces footprint
Using public transit reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. Dedicated bus lanes and rail lines throughout the metro decrease idling time and help you get to where you're going!
Increases safety
Fewer cars
Fewer cars and single-occupancy vehicles increases pedestrian safety, making walking and biking safer. Transit drivers are specially trained to avoid accidents.
Frequent routes
Frequent, predictable routes between home, work, and campus—both day and night—mean you'll always have a ride home.
Guaranteed Ride Home
If you are considering using alternative transportation, but are concerned that there may be times in which you need to use a car to get somewhere quickly for a personal emergency, the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program has you covered.
Register with the GRH program and, if you have an eligible emergency on a day you commuted by carpool, vanpool, biked, walked, or took transit, Metro Transit will help you get home with a FREE and reliable ride.
Having and using your Universal Transit Pass makes you eligible for this program. Learn more on Metro Transit's website.
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.
Who is eligible for the Universal Transit Pass?
Which groups are eligible for opting into the Universal Transit Pass?
The following groups are eligible to opt into the UTP:
- 95XX Graduate/Professional Workers
- Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)
- Advanced/Thesis Grad Students (GRAD 999 Ineligible)
- International Student Interns/Scholars (U Card Required)
- MN English Language Program
- MAST International
- Academic Plan Exclusions (ex: Tuition by fees, full scholarships, programs not assessed the fee)
Excluded groups include: Regents Scholarship, Senior Citizen Education Program, Online/Distance Learning and Non-Degree seeking students.
What groups were consulted as part of the planning process?
Consultation occurred with Recognized Student Governance Associations (RSGAs) – Undergraduate Student Government (USG), Council of Graduate Students (COGS), and Professional Student Government (PSG). The RSGAs consulted with their respective bodies (committees, task forces, etc.) before providing their recommendation to the Administration. A survey of all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who pay the Transportation and Safety Fee was also conducted.
This proposal was approved at the Board of Regents' July 2022 meeting.
What groups are ineligible for this program?
Ineligible groups include, but are not limited to: full-time faculty and staff (See the Employee Transit Pass), Regents Scholarship recipients, participants in the Senior Citizen Education Program (SCEP), and students in off-site or remote-only programs. Program eligibility is determined by a person’s status within academic programs, tuition groups, and PeopleSoft categories that are set by the college or department.
All exceptions
Academic plans excluded
- Visiting (graduate non-degree)
- Management of Technology MSMOT
- Software Engineering MSSE
- Software Engineering (graduate non-degree)
- Infrastructure Systems Engineer MSISE
- Clinical Training Certificate (Vet Med)
- Foreign Graduate Training Certificate
- Swine Medicine Certificate (Vet Med)
- Doctor of Business Administration DBA
- Talented Youth Math Program
- All other high school programs (e.g., CIS, PSEO)
Medical Z certs - Med fellowship/residency
Academic sub plans excluded
- Online program (various) (ONLINE)
- Carlson Executive Masters of Business Administration
- China Executive MBA (CHEMBA)
- Online Master of Business Administration (ONLINE MBA)
- Vienna Masters of Business Administration (VEMBA)
- Warsaw Masters of Business Administration (WMBA)
- Online Master of Business Taxation (ONLINE MBT)
- Non-Traditional Option (Pharm D/Pharm non-degree)
RPAP/MetroPAP LIC Emphasis (Medicine MD)
PeopleSoft student groups excluded
- Regents Scholarship
- Academic/Prof Tuition Benefit/Regents Scholarship
- Associated Colleges Waiver
- CFANS Student Exchange
- Humphrey Inst Int's Exc Waiver
- CSE Full Tuition Waiver
- Law Exchange Students
Senior Citizens
Other exclusions
- Medical/MD students on approved leave of absence
- Rochester students (34UGR) (regardless of class location)
- If all enrolled class locations are off-campus or Rochester
- Students only registered in classes set up as fee in lieu of tuition at course level or class section level
- Students who are not enrolled
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 much does Universal Transit Pass cost and how will it be funded?
How do I know if I paid the Transportation & Safety Fee?
Review your student account to determine what tuition and fees have been charged to you. You can view/print your Student Account in the My Finances Tab of MyU. One Stop has a guide to help assist you with this process.
How do I get the Universal Transit Pass?
All students are automatically enrolled when they pay the Transportation and Safety Fee. The U Card is the pass for this program. Those who pay the spring fee continue to have access to the transit system through the summer.
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 opt out of the Transportation and Safety Fee?
This is a mandatory, non-refundable fee associated with tuition costs for attending the University. The only students who are pre-approved not to pay the fee are:
- Post-secondary option high school students
- Regents Scholarship recipients
- Students registered in off-campus, non-metro courses
- Students registered in Online and Distance Learning courses
If you believe that you fit these categories and have paid the fee, please contact One Stop.
If you do not fit into the above categories but would still like to apply to opt-out, complete this form. Submitting the form does not guarantee a waiver.
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.
Can I opt-in to the Transportation and Safety Fee to get the UTP?
Most students who do not pay the TSF can opt-in for access to the Universal Transit Pass. To opt in and pay, use this portal.