Introducing the Employee Transit Pass

2 adults getting onto a Metro Transit bus
Introducing the Employee Transit Pass

Now on your U Card!

The Employee Transit Pass (ETP) is designed to offer eligible faculty and staff members affordable and eco-friendly commuting solutions. Under this program, employees with 75-100% appointments will receive the ETP at no extra cost. For those with 50-74% appointments who qualify for benefits, the option to join the program is also available through a pre-tax payroll deduction later this fall. 

Why Choose the ETP?

  • Affordability: With the ETP, eligible employees can enjoy unlimited access to all transit systems in the Twin Cities metro area, including buses and light rail trains.
  • Equity: The ETP expands access to no/low-cost transportation.
  • Sustainability: By choosing public transportation, you contribute to the University's commitment to sustainability and help us achieve our Climate Action Plan goals.
  • Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassles of driving in traffic and searching for parking. The ETP offers a hassle-free, reliable commuting option.
  • Community Impact: Using your ETP means becoming part of a community-wide effort to reduce our carbon footprint and promote responsible commuting.

Activating Your Employee Transit Pass

Getting started with the ETP is as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Complete the ETP Request Form if you have a 75-100% appointment.
  2. Look out for your activation email and follow the provided instructions.
  3. Within 12 days of receiving the email, tap your U Card at designated activation stations, generating a "GO" message on the screen, indicating successful activation.

 

Using Your U Card

Once activated, your U Card transforms into a convenient transit pass. Simply tap it at any bus or light rail station within the Twin Cities transit systems, and you're good to go.

News & Promotions

The Gopher GOLD and Dining Dollars management system will undergo an upgrade to enhance reliability and security from March 4–6, 2024. During this time, you will not be able to use Dining Dollars and Gopher GOLD.

Students, Faculty, and Staff are invited to take part in Gopher GOLD bonus week the week of February 12, 2024! Get $5 in Gopher GOLD for every $50 you deposit up to $500 - make the most of your money on campus with this limited-time offer! In-person only.

Due to a software issue, Gopher GOLD inactivity fees will not be captured for February 2024.

Students took part in the hunt for Goldy's U Card for a chance to win one of three $100 prizes!

The new U Card is a powerful tool to ensure that University community members have quick and easy access to vital mental health resources. 

We're thrilled to announce the launch of the Employee Transit Pass (ETP) for Twin Cities Campus employees. 

Beginning on May 15, the U Card Office is giving away four (4) Gopher GOLD prizes of $50! Full details are available in this post.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is proud to announce that it has been named the recipient of the National Association of Campus Card Users (NACCU) Best Video Award for 2023.

We're on a mission to make sure you never miss out on any of the fantastic deals and promotions from Gopher GOLD. Sign up here!

Beginning in fall 2022, more than 39,000 University of Minnesota students who pay a Transportation and Safety Fee gained access to a Universal Transit Pass (UTP).

To apply for a Huntington sponsorship, please review the information on the program website and complete the application form. The form must be completed 45 days prior to the event.

As approved by the Board of Regents in their June meeting, the U Card Office is initiating a fee schedule change for services relating to U Cards, the Gopher GOLD Program, department ID cards, and temporary access cards.

The U Card website has been redesigned and revamped to offer a stellar user experience for students, staff, parents, and guests to learn more about the U Card and Gopher GOLD, and take action regarding their cards.