Check the status of your university-provided transit passes

University-provided Caltrain Go Passes, VTA SmartPasses, and AC Transit EasyPasses remain valid. Current pass holders, or those eligible, can continue free, unlimited travel on Caltrain, VTA, and/or AC Transit.

No action is required if you already have your pass(es).

To check the status of your transit passes, see our Transit Eligibility and Status Checker.

To request a free Go Pass, SmartPass, and/or EasyPass, fill out our Transit Pass Request Form.

Free and Discounted Stanford Transportation Programs

We are offering information to support the transportation and mobility needs of the Stanford community. We are continuing to provide commute assistance where we are able to do so. However, we recognize that commuting is a personal choice. Stanford commuters are encouraged to assess and select the option(s) that best meet their needs.

 

There have been a number of updates to the free and discounted programs we offer as a result of COVID-19. The list below reflects what is currently available. Please note that the rules and policies of these programs may change without notification to eligible participants.

For all Stanford affiliates

For eligible commuters

  • Free Caltrain (Go Pass), VTA (SmartPass), and East Bay express buses. Free transit on Caltrain with Go Pass and VTA with SmartPass for most benefits-eligible employees. Ride AC Transit’s Line U East Bay express bus for free with a Stanford ID. 
  • Free AC Transit (EasyPass). Benefits-eligible university and hospital employees living in the East Bay are eligible for the EasyPass. AC Transit serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Sobrante, Fairview, Kensington, Irvington, North Richmond, and San Lorenzo.
  • Pilot Go Pass programs for off-campus graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Eligible off-campus graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can receive a free Caltrain Go Pass, which offers unlimited travel on Caltrain between all zones for the calendar year. 
  • Free SamTrans. Free transit for eligible employees at Stanford Redwood City (SRWC).
  • Free Emergency Ride Home program. Any Stanford commuter who uses alternative transportation may enroll in Stanford’s Emergency Ride Home program.
  • Savings on transit parking and passes. Most benefits-eligible employees may request pre-tax payroll deduction for purchases of Caltrain parking and selected transit passes, which provides income and FICA tax savings on these purchases.
  • And more. Learn about discounted transit, bicycle safety offers, and free commute planning in the preceding “For all Stanford affiliates” section.

Discounts through other organizations

  • Discount transit programs for qualified, low-income riders. Clipper START is a pilot program offering 20% to 50% discounts off single-ride fares at participating agencies.
  • The Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) offers fare discounts of up to 50% through The Community Assistance Program.
  • Both programs have eligibility requirements and are available to anyone, including non-Stanford affiliates.