Photo by mcfolly.

Metro is experimenting with a new pass, offering unlimited Metrobus and Metrorail rides at a discount price to college students, and American University students will pilot the program this upcoming school year.

The U-Pass, as it’s being called, will be available to 10,000 full-time undergrads, graduate students, and law school students. Students pay $130 each semester for the pass ($260 per year) and cannot opt out of the program if they’re studying on campus for the semester. Because it is a mandatory fee, financial aid can cover costs.

Metro said the program would generate about $2.7 million for the current fiscal year, amounting to about a dollar per day per student.

“This is an important partnership that enables Metro to better serve the region’s universities, build ridership in the near term ,and encourage the next generation to become public transit users,” said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld in a release.

The WMATA board approved of the pilot in March, and AU students voted to participate in U-Pass, with 85 percent in favor.

One of Metro’s advertisements promises that students will be able to spend money otherwise reserved for transportation on more college-y expenses, like pizza.

Image courtesy of Metro.

Beginning this fall, students will receive a special U-Pass SmarTrip from the university. At the end of the pilot program, both Metro and AU will reevaluate based on students’ experience. Metro said it “expects the pilot to attract other colleges and universities in the region that have expressed interest.”

Metro already offers discounted and free rides to students who live in the District and attend public, charter, or private schools here.