University of Washington, Seattle
OP-T2-29: Mass Transit Programs

The University of Washington’s transportation demand management program, the U-PASS, offers faculty, staff and students with a variety of low-cost transportation options. The U-PASS includes an unlimited transit pass for six different transit agencies, including all buses, light rail, streetcars and commuter rail from King County Metro and Sound Transit. The program has received 28 awards in its 20 years, including Enterprise Seattle’s Commuter Challenge Diamond Award, the Governor’s Commute Smart State Agency Award, proclamations from both Seattle and King County recognizing the program, and numerous awards from the Environmental Protection Agency. U-PASS holders make up 10 percent of all King County Metro rides, which is the eighth largest transit agency in the United States. As transit costs have increased in recent years, University of Washington students imposed a U-PASS fee upon themselves, making the student program universal and ensuring stable funding for the program’s future. In this, the University’s transportation department has worked with students to ensure shared and open governance. The department also has a full-time position dedicated to transit as a commute option, this includes buses and express buses, light rail, commuter rail, streetcar, ferries and water taxis, operations, policies and events. The University also operates four different shuttles programs. Two shuttles provide connections between the University and its alternative campuses at South Lake Union and Harborview Medical Center. Others serve those with limited mobility around campus, as well as those who need to get home safely late at night.