Rice University continues
METRO Local U.Pass Program for Graduate Students

Local U.Passes are available for purchase in the Cashier’s Office. METRO’s Local U.Pass program provides the university’s graduate student population with enhanced transportation options within the Houston community.

How does the Local U.Pass program work?

Graduate students enrolled in degree programs including the Masters of Liberal Studies program but excluding executive degree programs are eligible to purchase from the Cashier’s Office an annual METRO Local U.Pass for unlimited use on regularly scheduled METRO transportation systems, including the light rail. The Local U.Pass covers $1.00 of Park & Ride route fares and students are responsible for the remaining fare. It can not be used for “special event” bus service. This pass will be valid from August 17, 2006 through August 16, 2007. Each graduate student enrolled at Rice University is eligible to receive one Local U.Pass per person. Local U.Passes purchased in January 2006 will be available in January 2007.

How much is the Local U.Pass?

Rice University is offering the Local U.Pass at a highly subsidized rate of $55.00 per student. Graduate students can purchase the Local U.Pass from the Cashier’s Office using cash or check, or can have the amount included on their term bill.

What happens if the Local U.Pass is lost or stolen?
Students can replace the Local U.Pass at the METRO Treasury Office in the METRO Headquarters Building located across from the Downtown Transit Center rail platform. Days and hours of operation are from 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Monday–Friday. The first replacement is free. Students will be charged $15.00 per card thereafter. The serial number located on the Local U.Pass is needed in order to replace it so students are encouraged to make note of this number when they receive the card.

For Your Information:
When traveling downtown to replace the Local U.Pass, students should purchase a ticket when boarding the bus or the rail. METRO’s local service one-way full fare is $1.00, including transfer to other local service. METRO passengers who fail to pay the proper METRORail or bus fare will have the option of paying a $75 administrative penalty before incurring a fine of up to $500. Offenders will have 30 calendar days from the date of the citation to pay the $75 administrative penalty and avoid the $500 fine. The administrative penalty may be paid in person or by mail at METRO’s Buffalo Bayou facility, Police Records Section, 810 N. San Jacinto, Houston, Texas, 77002 in the Central Business District/Downtown.
Visit Passport to Houston at www.rice.edu/passport for upcoming events in Houston. Please note that the Passport program is designed for undergraduate students with the exception of the HedgeHopper merchant discount program which is available to all Rice constituents. The HedgeHopper program is administered by the Student Association and questions and/or comments about the program should be directed to sapres@rice.edu.

Questions regarding the Local U.Pass program should be directed to Nancy Carrasco at carrasco@rice.edu.