Frequently Asked Questions about the UC*Metro Program
Here are answers to questions about the program.
Q: How does the program work?
A: Current UC students, faculty and staff must swipe a special UC*Metro quarterly fare card with photo to ride on Metro. They must also pay an additional cash fare along with swiping their cards. For example, a student boarding in Zone 1 must drop an additional $0.25 for travel in Zone 1.
Q: How do I get a UC*Metro fare card?
A:
You can get your UC*Metro fare card by visiting the UC Web site http://www.uc.edu/af/facilities/go_METRO.html and following the link to the registration page. The cost for this card is $40 per quarter for students and $120 per quarter for faculty/staff. Once you register, your UC*Metro fare card will be mailed to you within three business days in a plain white envelope.
Q: How often do I need to get a new card?
A: You will need to get a new UC*Metro fare card each quarter. Passes for each quarter will be valid from the date each quarter begins up to, but excluding, the first date of the following quarter, as shown below:
| |
Quarter Begins: |
Quarter Begins: |
| Winter Quarter 10 |
Jan. 4, 2010 |
Jan. 4, 2010 - March 28, 2010 |
| Spring Quarter 10 |
March 29, 2010 |
March 29, 2010 - June 20, 2010 |
| Summer Quarter 10 |
June 21, 2010 |
June 21, 2010 - Sept. 21, 2010 |
| Fall Quarter 10 |
Sept. 22, 2010 |
Sept. 22, 2010 - Dec. 10, 2010 |
Q: How does it work?
A: The UC*Metro fare card is designed to be validated by the reader on the top of the farebox. When you swipe the new UC*Metro fare card through the pass reader quickly, the farebox will make sure the pass is valid, and you’re on your way.
Q: Isn’t this a free program?
A: The University and UC Student Government fund the UC*Metro program. UC students, faculty and staff pay a quarterly price for the fare cards and will also pay additional fares each time they ride travel.
The current cost for the UC*Metro fare card will be $40 per quarter for students and $120 per quarter for faculty and staff. Students and staff will also pay fares on the bus when traveling to or from Metro’s various zones.
Q: Why can’t I just show my UC ID?
A: The current program started as a pilot program and we learned a lot the first year. One critical issue is reports of fraudulent use of ID cards by people who are not currently UC students or active employees. Using these UC*Metro fare cards and showing your UC ID will eliminate this type of unauthorized use.
Q: Who is eligible for this program?
A: All current, active UC students, faculty and staff are eligible to receive a UC*Metro quarterly fare card. This does not include contractors, retirees, past students or temporary program attendees.
Q: How will bus drivers know who is an eligible UC rider?
A: All eligible UC students and faculty must have a valid UC*Metro photo fare card to take part in this program. If the UC card is valid, the farebox will tell the operator to accept it.
Q: I don’t ride the bus but my friend does. Can I give my pass to her?
A: UC*Metro fare cards are for use by current, active UC students and staff only. Use of a UC*Metro fare card by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued is considered fraud and is prohibited. Metro will confiscate cards of anyone caught committing fraud and they will be ineligible to participate in the program in the future. In addition, the UC*Metro swipe card has a photo of the registered user to prevent use by anyone other than to whom the card was issued.
Q: Does this program cover travel on any Metro route?
A: Yes. Students, faulty and staff are allowed to use their UC*Metro fare cards to ride any Metro route any time of day on any day of the week, not just to and from UC. However, an additional cash fare is also needed. The cash fares are:
Zone 1 – pay $0.25
To or from Zone 2 – pay $1.15
To or from Zone 3 – pay $1.50
To or from Zone 4 – pay $2.00
To or from All Pass Zone – pay $2.75
Q: What if I lose my UC*Metro fare card?
A: Lost fare cards may be replaced by going to the UC Web site and requesting a one-time replacement card for $50 for students or $120 for employees. If your pass is lost or stolen, Metro will remove it from the system so it can’t be used by anyone else.
Q: Do I need a transfer?
A: Since all rides are covered, there is no need for a transfer. If you transfer to TANK, you will pay the full TANK fare.
Q: Why isn’t Metro providing free rides to Xavier or Cincinnati State students?
A: Remember, these aren’t free rides. UC and UC Student Government are paying Metro for student, faculty and staff rides, and the students and staff are sharing in the cost. If other colleges or universities want to enter into an agreement with Metro to provide a similar program, we will be work with them.
Q: What about the NKU/TANK program?
A: The NKU/TANK program was tried on a pilot basis and is no longer being offered.
Q: What about Access?
A: The UC*Metro program applies to Access customers as well. Like Metro, they must be current, active UC students or faculty/staff and must also be registered Access riders. They will need to go online to register for their UC*Metro swipe card and pay either $40 for students or $120 for faculty and staff.
Once they receive their UC*Metro fare cards, they can go to the Disability Services office in 210 University Pavilion for students or the Lindner Center 3rd floor for employees to pick up special UC/Access tickets.
Then when they ride Access, they must show their valid swipe card and give the Access operator a UC/Access ticket. For travel in Zone 1, they must pay an additional $2.00 and for $3.00 for travel in Zone 2.
Q: If I have questions, who can I call?
A: You can call Metro at 632-7528, weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Or contact Marie Sutthoff, UC Facilities Management, by email at Marie.Sutthoff@uc.edu or telephone 513-556-4319. |
