Students and faculty who use a Valley Metro student U-Pass or an Employee Platinum Pass to commute could be left waiting to take the bus or light rail.
All passes purchased by students and staff this year will be mailed out rather than being available up-front, according to the ASU Office of Parking and Transit Services.
The PTS website states the wait time for the passes is expected to take up to five business days.
The U-Pass allows students unlimited access to the light rail and other forms of public transportation for $150.
Faculty and staff can buy the unlimited access Employee Platinum Pass for $390 for a local-line transit pass, or an express-line transit pass for $520.
The PTS changes this year reflect requests made by students wanting an easier way to get the public transportation pass, rather than having to wait at the PTS office.
PTS spokeswoman Leona Morales said in an email the difference will actually make it easier on students and staff who rely on the passes.
“In years past, students requested that the passes be mailed to them rather than having to come into our offices to get them,” she said. “They felt that it was inconvenient for them.”
Passes can also be bought online, but those too will be sent by mail.
The U-Pass and Platinum employee pass adjustment is in place for the 2012-13 school year.
Morales said PTS considered student commuters or staff members’ difficulties might have due to possible delay in receiving their transit pass, but decided that would not cause issues.
”If you come in and purchase a pass (in the office) on or after Aug. 23, it will still be mailed to you, but you will receive a free one-day transit pass if you need one,” she said.
Morales said student U-Passes went on sale July 16 and all passes purchased by Aug. 18 should be received prior to the beginning of classes on Aug. 23.
Liberal studies senior Adrianna King said the new system of distributing U-Passes seems inconvenient.
“I would rather wait in line than wait for a pass in the mail,” King said. “It would probably only take 15 minutes to wait in line. Five days is a pretty long time.”
Speech communications freshman Cynthia Herrera said she likes the U-Pass option despite the possible delays caused by mailing the pass and its price tag.
“It’s a little pricy, but I am originally from New Jersey where I rode the train all the time,” Herrera said. “It’s a better option than driving. If I have to wait a little longer for my pass to come in the mail, I will just buy a day pass.”
Reach the reporter at riis.valcho@asu.edu
