The ALX Student Pass is a special SmarTrip card that allows eligible Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) middle and high school students to ride WMATA Metrobus without paying the fare themselves. The City of Alexandria pays WMATA for eligible student trips through a pilot program supported by Virginia’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP).

The program is available to students currently enrolled in an ACPS middle or high school. The initial pilot does not include elementary school students, private school students, or homeschooled students.

Yes. The program is being implemented for the 2026-2027 school year. Student cards are currently in production, with distribution expected to begin in Fall 2026.

The City expects to receive the initial shipment of ALX Student Pass cards in September 2026. The City and ACPS will provide additional information about school-based distribution dates and locations as cards become available.

Eligible students will receive a specially programmed ALX Student Pass SmarTrip card through a coordinated City and ACPS distribution process. Students and families will receive instructions about when and where cards can be obtained.

No. There is no charge to the eligible student for the ALX Student Pass or for qualifying Metrobus trips. The City pays WMATA for trips taken through the program.

Students should tap their ALX Student Pass on the SmarTrip reader every time they board a Metrobus. The fare system recognizes the card as an eligible Alexandria student card and records the ride without charging the student the regular Metrobus fare.

Students should tap every ride, even though they are not paying the fare themselves. Taps allow WMATA and the City to accurately record student ridership, reimburse Metro for trips, evaluate the program, and demonstrate whether the program should continue in future years.

The ALX Student Pass is valid on WMATA Metrobus service without route restrictions. Students can use Metrobus to reach school, activities, jobs, recreation, libraries, community services, and other destinations accessible through the Metrobus network.

No. The program is intended to improve overall student mobility and is not limited to the morning and afternoon school commute. Eligible students may use the pass for school-related activities, employment, extracurricular activities, and other trips on Metrobus.

A pass is not needed to ride DASH. DASH is already fare-free for all riders. The ALX Student Pass specifically addresses the fare students would otherwise have to pay when riding Metrobus.

No. The student subsidy applies to Metrobus only. Metrorail is not included in the program.

The ALX Student Pass is also a SmarTrip card, however, so students may add their own stored value for trips or services that are not covered by the student program.
 

The student fare benefit applies to WMATA Metrobus. It does not provide complimentary travel on other regional transit systems. If stored value is added to the SmarTrip card, that value may be used wherever regular SmarTrip payment is accepted.

Students should carry and tap their ALX Student Pass whenever they ride Metrobus. During implementation, WMATA bus operators will also have a process for recording an eligible Alexandria student ride when the student does not have the card available.

Students who repeatedly ride without their card should obtain or replace their ALX Student Pass so that trips can be properly recorded.
 

The student should let the Metrobus operator know that they are an eligible ALX Student Pass participant. WMATA has established an operator process for recording eligible Alexandria student trips when a card cannot be successfully processed. Students should also report recurring card problems so the card can be checked or replaced.

Lost, stolen, or damaged cards can be replaced. Students or families should contact their school’s designated Student Pass/ID contact for instructions.

Because each card is assigned to an individual student, students should report a missing card promptly and should not use another student’s pass.
 

No. ALX Student Pass cards are non-transferable and may only be used by the eligible student to whom the card is assigned. Sharing a card may result in the card being deactivated.

The student fare benefit expires when the student turns 19. Cards may also be deactivated when a student is no longer eligible for the ACPS student program.

Not at launch. The ALX Student Pass will initially be issued as a physical SmarTrip card. The City and WMATA are exploring whether a virtual or mobile version could be supported in the future.

No. The ALX Student Pass is an additional mobility option for eligible students and does not, by itself, change ACPS school transportation eligibility or school bus assignments. Families should continue to follow ACPS guidance regarding school transportation.

The City and ACPS will use limited student information needed to confirm eligibility and properly assign and manage each card. This is expected to include information such as the student’s name, date of birth, school, grade, and assigned SmarTrip card number.

The card’s Metrobus taps will also be used to monitor program ridership and administer the City’s fare payment agreement with WMATA.
 

The ALX Student Pass is being implemented as a four-year pilot covering the 2026-2027 through 2029-2030 school years. Continuation of the program will depend on program performance, available funding, and future City and WMATA decisions.

The program is supported by Virginia’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP). Under the program, the City of Alexandria reimburses WMATA for Metrobus trips taken by eligible students.

The program is intended to reduce transportation barriers for students and families, expand access to school and extracurricular opportunities, support access to jobs and community resources, increase student transportation independence, and help young people become safe and confident transit riders.

Additional information, including card distribution dates and program updates, will be posted on the City of Alexandria’s ALX Student Pass webpage.

Questions may also be directed to GO Alex at goalex@alexandriava.gov.