VIA’s U-Pass program offers free trip options for college students, faculty and staff
Students, faculty and staff returning to participating local colleges and universities this summer can use their VIA U-Pass to access unlimited rides on VIA service, Prímo, VIA Express, and VIA Link, a rideshare service that functions like Uber and Lyft.
Who can use U-Pass?
More than 100,000 active students, faculty, and staff members from participating colleges and universities in San Antonio have free access to VIA bus and VIA Link service throughout the school year, including the fall, spring, and summer sessions.
U-Pass Partners:
♦ Alamo Colleges: San Antonio, Palo Alto, St. Philip’s, Northwest Vista, and Northeast Lakeview colleges
♦ Our Lady of the Lake University
♦ Texas A&M University-San Antonio
♦ University of the Incarnate Word
♦ University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
How do I ride using U-Pass?
There are varying guidelines for each school, but access to free service includes VIA’s entire bus network and VIA Link service, which currently comprises zones in the Northwest, Northeast and South. The University of Texas at San Antonio’s main campus and Northwest Vista College are both in the Northwest Zone, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Palo Alto College are within the South Zone.
Students and staff at UTSA, OLLU and UIW can access the upass when using the VIA goMobile+ app or with a U-Pass sticker adhered to a valid school ID. ACCD students and staff can either access the U-PASS when using the goMobile+ app or by presenting a valid school ID when boarding; and Texas A&M-SA students and staff can board by presenting a valid school ID.
NOTE: An account associated to a school email account must be created to access the U-Pass on the goMobile+ app.
What are the benefits of using U-Pass?
The VIA U-Pass is designed to provide free, convenient access to public transportation and help address the challenges of growing student populations with limited parking options on or near local campuses. U-Pass users can save the expense of owning and maintaining a personal vehicle, and the cost and hassle of parking. The U-Pass can be used for trips anywhere in the VIA service area, and VIA buses and vans are accessible and can accommodate riders traveling with a bike.
VIA offers cashless payment options though its free VIA goMobile+ app, access to BCycle and other travel tools on the Transit app, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. For more information about the U-Pass, go to VIAinfo.net/U-pass. Schools interested in partnering with VIA to offer the U-Pass can call (210) 362-2020. For more information on VIA Link, visit VIAinfo.net/LINK and/or download the VIA Link brochure.