Students, faculty, and staff at participating local colleges and universities have access to free public transportation — including Prímo, VIA Express, and VIA Link, a rideshare service that functions like Uber and Lyft — in the upcoming semester with their VIA U-Pass.
Who can use U-Pass? Participating colleges and universities in the San Antonio region have free access to VIA bus and VIA Link service throughout the school year, including the summer sessions, in addition to fall and spring semesters.
Participating U-Pass Partners include students, faculty, and staff from the following:
♦ Alamo Colleges
♦ University of the Incarnate Word (UIW)
♦ University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
♦ Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)
♦ Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA)
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 the following: Naco Pass (Northeast), Mainland (Northwest), Madla (South), and Randolph zones. The University of Texas at San Antonio’s main campus and Northwest Vista College are both in the Mainland (Northwest) zone, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Palo Alto College are within the Madla (South) zone.
Participants from UTSA, OLLU and UIW can access the U-Pass when using the VIA goMobile+ app or with a U-Pass sticker adhered to a valid school ID. ACCD participants can access the U-Pass either when using the goMobile+ app or by presenting a valid school ID when boarding; and Texas A&M-SA participants may board by presenting a valid school ID.
*NOTE: To access the U-Pass, a goMobile+ account must be linked to a school email account.
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 avoid 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, visit VIAinfo.net/U-pass. Schools interested in partnering with VIA to offer the U-Pass can call (210) 362-2020. Visit the VIA Link for more information about our rideshare services.