Changes to the Alternative Transportation Fee for Fall Quarter
The fall quarter Alternative Transportation Fee was not charged to students. This means that students registered for fall classes do not have a student Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) bus pass on their Western ID cards.
All WTA buses are temporarily fare free. When WTA does begin charging a fare again, students’ Western ID cards will not work as a bus pass.
If WTA begins charging a fare during the fall, students who want a bus pass may purchase it directly from WTA. Use the following online resources to learn more and to purchase a bus pass:
FAQs Related to the Change to the Student Bus Pass Program
How much is the Alternative Transportation Fee?
$28.50 during the academic year and $23.00 summer quarter.
What is the cost to ride a WTA bus?
It costs $1 per ride for trips in Whatcom County, or students can purchase a 31-day bus pass for $15 if the mobile app is used. The cost is $15 + $2 if a TouchPass card is purchased.
How does a 31-day bus pass from WTA work?
The 31 days begin the first time you use your pass and ends at midnight on the 31st day.
What if I travel to Western from Skagit or Snohomish Counties?
Students can purchase a 31-day County Connector bus pass for $25.
With a County Connector 31-day pass, you can ride all WTA and Skagit Transit routes, including Route 80X and 90X (‘X’ stands for express route). Route 80X runs between Bellingham and Mt. Vernon. Route 90X runs between Mt. Vernon and Everett Station.
When will students be charged the Alternative Transportation Fee again?
If it is safe for classes to be held on campus winter quarter, then the Alternative Transportation Fee will be charged to students when they enroll for winter classes.
When will I be able to use my Western ID card as a bus pass again?
If it is safe for classes to be held on campus winter quarter, then the Alternative Transportation Fee will be charged to students when they enroll for winter classes, and the WWU student bus pass will once again be on students’ Western ID cards beginning on December 12, 2020.