WMATA extends University Pass pilot program

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will extend University Pass (U-Pass) program through June 2018, the agency's board decided last week.

The program provides unlimited rail and bus rides for American University and Washington College of Law students at a "substantially discounted price," WMATA officials said in a press release.

More than 10,000 students participate in the program, which launched in fall 2017.

American University students took more than 1 million rides using the U-Pass. Metrorail U-Pass ridership was highest on the Red Line, with the greatest number of riders traveling to or from the Tenleytown, Van Ness, Friendship Heights, Dupont Circle and Woodley Park stations.

WMATA is providing U-Pass information to college administrators throughout the region. The program is open to accredited colleges and universities in the agency's service area.

The agency has received interest in the program from George Washington University, the University of the District of Columbia, the University of Maryland, Georgetown University and Catholic University of America, The Washington Post reported.

"In addition to increased student use on Metro, the U-Pass program helps to promote public transportation and attract a future generation of riders," said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld.