Navigating Los Angeles: A Guide to UCLA's Bruin U-Pass and Transit Programs
UCLA offers a variety of transit programs designed to make commuting easier and more affordable for its students, faculty, and staff. From unlimited access to local transit agencies to discounted rates, there are options to suit a range of commuting needs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Bruin U-Pass, Bruin Grad Pass, and other transit benefits available at UCLA.
Bruin U-Pass: Unlimited Rides for Undergraduate Students
The Bruin U-Pass provides UCLA undergraduate students with unlimited access to several transit agencies throughout Los Angeles County. This includes local lines serving the campus, such as the Los Angeles Metro bus and rail lines, the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Culver CityBus. Additionally, the pass covers commuter lines that serve UCLA, including Antelope Valley Transit, LADOT, Santa Clarita Transit, and Long Beach Transit.
To obtain a Bruin U-Pass, UCLA undergraduate students can follow these steps:
- Log in to BruinTAP using your UCLA Logon ID.
- Complete the federally mandated one-time Metro survey.
- Select Bruin U-Pass.
It's important to note that all Bruin U-Pass requests require a new TAP card and will replace any previously issued UCLA TAP cards. If a TAP card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement TAP card can be purchased for $2 on BruinTAP.
Bruin Grad Pass: Comprehensive Transit Access for Graduate Students
Eligible UCLA graduate students have access to the Bruin Grad Pass program, which provides unlimited access to all local transit agencies and commuter lines serving the campus. This includes Los Angeles Metro bus and rail lines, the Metro Micro on-demand rideshare service, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, Antelope Valley Transit, Santa Clarita Transit, Long Beach Transit, and LADOT Commuter Express. The pass can also be used on other LA County transit lines that don’t serve campus, including Torrance Transit, Gardena GTrans, and Foothill Transit. Access to Amtrak or Metrolink (regional rail system) trains are NOT included in the pass.
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The Bruin Grad Pass is offered at a low cost of $25 per quarter (excluding summer), which is assessed via a student fee. This fee was established through a referendum passed during the GSA elections in April 2020, which raised graduate student fees by approximately $25 per quarter (the BruinGo Universal Access Transit Pass Fee).
Eligible UCLA graduate students can obtain a Bruin Grad Pass by following these steps:
- Log in to BruinTAP using your UCLA Logon ID.
- Complete the federally mandated one-time Metro survey (four questions).
- Select Bruin Grad Pass and proceed to submit your order.
Bruin Commuter Transit Benefit: A Free Quarterly Pass
UCLA Transportation’s Bruin Commuter Transit Benefit program offers one free quarterly transit pass for eligible students, staff, and faculty. The pass is valid for any of the seven transit agencies serving the UCLA campus: Los Angeles Metro bus and rail lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, Antelope Valley Transit, Santa Clarita Transit, Long Beach Transit, and LADOT Commuter Express.
Participants must be current UCLA students, staff, or faculty with a valid BruinCard ID and cannot have an active UCLA parking permit. Undergraduate students with the Bruin U-Pass and eligible graduate students with the Bruin Grad Pass are not eligible for the Bruin Commuter Transit Benefit.
All participants must not have previously held a UCLA-subsidized transit pass. UCLA Transportation will not provide refunds to customers who currently hold a transit pass in order to take advantage of this program. Visiting Scholars and UCLA Extension Students are not eligible for this benefit.
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To participate in the Bruin Commuter Transit Incentive program, registration is required. Bruins who live near or far from campus can enjoy the convenience of riding transit to UCLA with the Commuter All-Access Pass.
Additional Options for Occasional Riders
For UCLA students, faculty, and staff who ride occasionally, a discounted rate on Big Blue Bus is available by loading a "UCLA Co-Pay Pass" on their TAP card. Before using the Co-Pay Pass, Stored Value (which works like cash) needs to be loaded onto the TAP card. When riding Big Blue Bus, tapping the card will automatically deduct $0.70 in Stored Value.
To load the pass, take any TAP card to the Cashier's Office. Alternatively, a mobile pass can be accessed through the TAP app.
Tips for Riding Public Transit in Los Angeles
Navigating public transit in Los Angeles can be straightforward with a little preparation. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth journey:
- Know Your Route: Determine the specific bus line you'll be taking, as multiple lines may serve the same stop. Knowing the transit provider (e.g., Metro, Santa Monica, Culver City, LADOT) and the route name (e.g., Line 6 Sepulveda Blvd) is crucial. Pay attention to any special information on the schedule, such as express or limited service.
- Plan Your Payment: Have sufficient cash on hand or, preferably, obtain a Transit Access Pass (TAP) online through the BruinTAP for Transit portal. Most buses require exact change and may charge extra for transfers or express routes.
- Signal the Bus: Hail the bus as you would a cab to ensure the driver knows you are waiting. Buses do not automatically stop at all posted locations.
- Notify the Driver of Your Stop: Once aboard, use the cord or pressure strip to indicate you want to get off at the next posted stop.
- Be Prepared for Delays: Weather, traffic, and other unforeseen events can cause delays. Arrive at least five minutes early and have an alternate plan in case of disruptions.
Other Transit Options
BruinGO! The quarterly BruinGO! The BruinGO! The Bruin Grad Pass programs allows UCLA graduate students unlimited travel on Big Blue Bus, Culver CityBus, and LA Metro bus and rail for an entire academic quarter (excluding summer), for the low cost of $25 (assessed via a student fee). Ticket Office.
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