U-PASS offers Sound Transit rides

U-PASS holders now have another option for riding the bus: Sound Transit’s ST Express bus service. In addition to free rides on Metro and Community Transit, U-PASS holders will now be able to ride free on all ST Express buses, to all destinations.

Sound Transit, part of the 10-year regional transit plan approved by voters in 1996, began service this month on the first nine routes of its ST Express bus service. These first routes connect the major urban centers of Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma and Seattle with other cities in the region. Although no routes directly serve the University District, several routes go to downtown Seattle where an easy transfer to campus via Metro service is available. Next fall, six more ST Express routes will begin operation and one from the Eastside to Seattle will serve the Montlake Flyer stop.

The Transportation Office sought to include Sound Transit service in the U-PASS program to better serve UW students and employees commuting from areas around the Puget Sound, and particularly those from Pierce County.

“Providing free service on Metro, Community Transit and now Sound Transit makes it even easier for students and employees to commute to campus by bus, rather than drive by themselves,” said Peter Dewey, manager of transportation systems.

For more information about ST Express routes, visit the U-PASS Web site at http://www.washington.edu/upass/ or call Sound Transit at 1-888-889-6368. Metro’s “Your Guide to the Ride” transit system map also displays ST Express routes and is stocked at campus Commuter Centers (including the HUB, Parking Services, South Campus Center and By George). ¶