Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is Western Student Transportation?
Western Student Transportation, known as WST, was developed after Western students approved an Alternative Transportation Fee in April 2007. WST is responsible for representing and coordinating student transportation needs, and provides services including the Student Bus Pass, the WWU Student Shuttle and trip planning assistance.
How much is the fee?
The fee is $25 a quarter, and is added to the tuition of students taking six or more credits. The fee cannot increase by more than 5% each year without a student vote, and is re-approved by a vote of the students every 5 years.
Can I opt-out of the fee?
Students taking six or more credits cannot opt-out of the fee. By making the fee mandatory, costs are kept low and the services provided remain available to all students. The Alternative Transportation Fee is thus similar in nature to the Green Energy Fee, the Rec Center Fee, and the Student Technology Fee.
Student Bus Pass*
A new student bus pass is encoded on the Western ID Card each Academic Year and Summer Quarter.
Who gets a student bus pass?
Most students who have registered for one or more on-campus classes are eligible for a bus pass. Students registered for 6 or more credits will automatically be charged the transportation fee when they register. Students registered for 1-5 credits may authorize the transportation fee by completing an “opt- in” form at the Western Card office.
How do I get a student bus pass?
Bring your Western Card to to the Western Card Office located in Edens Hall, Monday-Friday,9 AM - 4 PM.
Will I need a new Western Card to get a bus pass?
Not if the Western Card and its mag strip are in good shape. If it is scratched, has a hole punched through it, has a sticker on it, or is bent or very worn out, it cannot be encoded, and you may need a new Western Card.
Please take care of your Western Card. If you lose your card you lose your bus pass. If your card becomes too damaged to be encoded with the bus pass, you will need a new card, cost $8.
When can I get a bus pass?
The bus pass is available beginning the Monday of the week before classes start in September, and is valid through the week following finals in June.
Can I use my Western Card to park?
No. The Western Card is not a valid parking permit. Parking services offers a free "after hours" parking permit for students who have paid the Transportation Fee. This permit is good for limited lots on campus at designated times. Please contact parking services for more information.
Where can I replace my Western Card?
A Western Card can be replaced at the Western Card Office in Edens Hall, Monday – Friday, 9am-4pm. There is an $8 charge for a new Western Card.
Is my Academic Year bus pass good for Summer Quarter?
No. The bus pass is re- encoded on ID cards each academic year and summer quarter.
Where can I travel with my bus pass?
Your bus pass is good on all WTA routes including the 80X to Mt Vernon. Major destinations in the area include historic Fairhaven, Downtown Bellingham, Bellis Fair Mall, Sunset Square, Lakeway Center, Lake Padden, Whatcom Falls, Lynden, Ferndale and Mt Vernon. Using other public transportation to get from Mount Vernon to Everett, Seattle, or Tacoma costs only a few dollars. Click here for more information.
Western Student Shuttle
What is the Student Shuttle?
The Student Shuttle is a late night bus service open only to Western students. The shuttle system consists of two buses traveling opposite directions on one fixed route serving WWU, Downtown Bellingham, Bill McDonald Parkway and Sehome Village, Lincoln Creek park & Ride, and Lakeway Center. The Student Shuttle is a part of Western Student Transportation and is funded by the Alternative Transportation Fee.
Where does the Western Student Shuttle stop?
The Western Student Shuttle stops at all WTA bus stops along its route. In addition, the shuttle makes three stops downtown: Commercial St at the parkade, Railroad Avenue outside the WTA station, and Railroad and Champion.
What do I need to ride the Western Student Shuttle?
A valid Western Card is required to board the shuttle.
Can my friends who are not Western students ride the Western Student Shuttle with me?
One guest is allowed per student with a valid Western Card. Students are responsible for the conduct of their guest.
What time does the shuttle begin service?
The Student Shuttle leaves the Viking Union or Haggard Hall at 11:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the shuttle leaves the Viking Union at 9:00 PM, or Haggard Hall at 10PM.
When does the shuttle begin operating in the fall?
The Student Shuttle begins operating on the Sunday before classes begin for Fall Quarter and operates throughout Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters. The shuttle does not operate during Thanksgiving, Winter, or Spring breaks.
Does the shuttle operate during the summer?
No. The Student Shuttle does not operate during Summer Quarter.
Contact Information
Western Student Transportation can be contacted via phone at (360) 650-7960 from 8am – 5pm, Monday- Friday, or via e-mail at AS.Transportation@wwu.edu .
For information concerning faculty and staff transportation needs, please contact the Sustainable Transportation Office via phone at (360) 650-7960 or via e-mail at transportation@wwu.edu.