Skip to main content
Triton U-Pass

Triton U-Pass for Students

The Triton U-Pass is a program offered to UC San Diego students that grants unlimited access to regional MTS and NCTD bus and trolley/light rail routes during the fall, winter and spring academic quarters.

Triton U-Pass is NOT valid for use with these services:

  • NCTD: COASTER, COASTER Connection, FLEX and LIFT
  • MTS: Rural Routes (888, 891, 892 and 894), Rapid Express Routes (280 and 290) and MTS Access

Eligibility

  • All current undergraduate and graduate students who have paid quarterly registration fees are eligible for U-Pass.
  • UC San Diego Extension students and visiting scholars are not eligible for the program.

Learn how to use U-Pass: U-Pass Tutorial Video

U-Pass on the PRONTO App

Get the PRONTO App

App Store Google Play

Create and Link Your Account

UC San Diego currently enrolled students are uploaded to the PRONTO portal. Each student is required to create a PRONTO account and link to the U-Pass program.

  • Under the “Manage” tab, select “Student and Employee Programs."
  • Select “UCSD U-Pass.”
  • You should receive a “Link Successful” message. If you receive a “Link Unsuccessful” message, you will need to verify that your email address matches what UC San has on file by sending an email to iride@ucsd.edu with the header “PRONTO Help.”
  • Once you successfully link, the option to link will disappear.
Add your U-Pass on the date it becomes available.
  • Under the “Manage” tab, select “Add Passes.”
  • Select “MTS.”
  • The appropriate U-Pass product will appear.
  • Select “Add to Cart.”
  • Select “Checkout” (no payment information needed for $0 product).

Academic Quarter

Newly enrolled fee-paying students become eligible for a quarterly U-Pass; it may take two business days for the system to update enrollment status.

When to access your U-Pass:

  • Fall 2024: September 15 – December 31
  • Winter 2025: December 20 – March 31
  • Spring 2025: March 20 – June 30

U-Pass users are required to show current UC San Diego student photo ID card (TritonCard) if requested by transit officials.

U-Pass on the PRONTO Card

PRONTO cards are available for students who do not have access to use the PRONTO U-Pass app with a smartphone. You are not allowed to have both PRONTO app pass and physical PRONTO card active at the same time; you must choose one fare media.

If you are unable to use the PRONTO mobile app, visit the Gilman Service Center to get a PRONTO card and we will help you create your PRONTO mobile account and link your physical PRONTO card. You will need access to your @ucsd.edu email at the time of account creation to complete this process.

Triton Summer U-Pass

Take 50% off Summer U-PASS until August 30 while supplies last!

All continuing fall undergraduate, graduate and registered summer session students are eligible to purchase Summer U-Pass. Summer U-Pass (now $81) is valid through September 30.

Attention: All students purchasing a Summer U-Pass online must have an active PRONTO account registered to their @ucsd.edu student email to receive the virtual product on their smart device.

If you don't have a PRONTO account, download the PRONTO app and follow the instructions in the U-Pass on the PRONTO app section above to Create and Link Your Account using your @ucsd.edu student email address before you purchase Summer Pass online. 

App Store Google Play

 How to Purchase Summer Pass Online

  1. Log into your Parking Account using Single Sign-On.
  2. Go to Permits > Get Permits.
  3. Select Summer U-Pass 2024 ($81).
  4. Follow steps to complete the transaction.

A virtual Summer U-Pass will be sent to your PRONTO account within two business days (excluding weekends).

No Smart Phone, No Problem!

You can purchase a pre-loaded PRONTO Summer U-Pass card from the Gilman Service Center (weekdays, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.). Please note: We only accept credit card and student accounts for payment.

Warning: Losing a physical PRONTO Summer U-Pass card is just like losing cash. Full price ($81) replacement cards are available in-office only while supplies last.