Metro Expands Student Access With $1 Daily Pass

Metro proposes $1 daily U-Pass for unlimited transit, expanding to part-time students by 2026

Metro Proposes $1 Daily U-Pass for Students

Students across the Washington DC metro area could soon access unlimited transit for as little as $1 per day under proposed changes to Metro's U-Pass program. Transit officials said they're introducing two new pricing models starting Fall 2026: a Universal option at $1 daily and an Opt-In model at $1.75 daily. The changes would expand eligibility to part-time and community college students who weren't previously served.

Program Expansion Reaches More Schools

The proposed updates would extend U-Pass access to additional accredited colleges throughout the DC-Maryland-Virginia region, according to Metro. The program currently serves 43 schools and approximately 36,000 students, a significant expansion from its launch a decade ago with just one university. Transit officials said the changes reflect efforts to make public transportation more inclusive for the region's diverse student population. Specific details about which new schools would be added weren't available by publication time.

Two Pricing Models Offer Flexibility

Under the Universal model, students would pay $1 per day for unlimited access to Metro's bus and rail services, officials said. The Opt-In model would cost $1.75 daily, though Metro hasn't specified what additional features or flexibility this tier would provide. Both options represent a major shift in how the program structures student fares. Officials didn't release information about how the pricing compares to current U-Pass rates or whether schools would subsidize any portion of the cost.

Changes Take Effect Fall 2026

Metro announced the proposed changes through its official social media channels, with implementation planned for Fall 2026. Officials didn't provide a specific date when the new pricing and eligibility would begin or when they'll finalize program details. The agency typically works with participating universities to coordinate U-Pass enrollment before each academic year begins.

Students Can Track Transit Options

The expanded U-Pass program would make Metro services more affordable for thousands of additional students across the region, officials said. Part-time and community college students who previously lacked access would gain the same transit benefits as full-time university students. Riders can use Moovit to plan trips and track real-time arrivals across Metro's bus and rail network throughout the DC-Maryland-Virginia area.