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 coordinates such services such as the WTA Viking Xpress Bus Pass and the WWU Late Night Shuttle.

How much is the fee?

Currently, 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, and is up for re-approval by a vote of the students in 2012.

I am not taking six or more credits. Can I opt-in to the fee?

Yes. Students enrolled for less than six credits can choose to pay the fee by completing an Opt-in authorization form at the Western Card office. After the fee is applied to your student account you will become eligible to receive a WTA Viking Xpress Bus Pass. Note: if you are only taking classes Off-Campus, Online, or Non-credit, you are not eligible to opt-in to the transportation fee.

I am taking six or more credits. 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.

Viking Xpress Bus Pass

Who gets a Viking Xpress Bus Pass?

Every student who pays the Alternative Transportation Fee is eligible to receive a bus pass which is good on all Whatcom Transportation Authority bus routes and is also valid on the WWU Late Night Shuttle.

How do I get my Viking Xpress Bus Pass?

Visit the Western Card Office in Edens Hall and present your Western student ID. Regular office hours are 9:00 am – 4pm, Monday through Friday. During the first week of Fall quarter classes the Western Card office moves to a central distribution location on campus. For current hours and location information go to www.housing.wwu.edu.

I lost my bus pass. Can I get a replacement?

Yes. You can get a replacement at the Western Card Office by presenting your Western student ID. Regular office hours are 9:00 am – 4pm, Monday through Friday. Check their website for current info at www.housing.wwu.edu. There is no replacement fee, but there is a limited amount of stock for replacement passes so please be responsible with your pass. When you are issued a replacement pass your old bus pass is no longer valid.

Do I have to get a new bus pass each quarter?

No you do not. Your Viking Xpress Bus Pass is valid for the Academic Year, or in other words for Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters. If you withdraw from Western or take less than six credits after you pick up your bus pass during Fall Quarter, your bus pass will no longer be valid.

Is my Academic Year bus pass good for Summer Quarter?

No. The Viking Xpress Bus Pass issued starting Fall Quarter is valid through the end of Spring Quarter. Students enrolled for six or more credits during Summer Quarter can pick up a summer bus pass in the Western Card Office starting midway through Spring Quarter. Students enrolled at Western taking less than six credits for Summer Quarter can opt-in to the fee to become eligible for a summer pass.

Where can I travel with my bus pass?

Your Viking Xpress 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.

WWU Late Night Shuttle

What is the WWU Late Night Shuttle?

The WWU Late Night Shuttle is a late night bus service open only to Western students. The shuttle system consists of two routes that serve WWU, Downtown Bellingham, Bill McDonald Parkway, Lincoln Creek Transportation Center and Lakeway Center. The Late Night Shuttle is a part of Western Student Transportation and is funded by the Alternative Transportation Fee.

Where does the WWU Late Night Shuttle stop?

The WWU Late Night Shuttle stops at all WTA bus stops along its route. In addition, the shuttle makes three stops downtown: Commercial St, Railroad Avenue outside the WTA station, and Railroad and Champion.

What do I need to ride the WWU Late Night Shuttle?

You will need either your Western Card or your Viking Xpress Bus Pass in order to ride the WWU Late Night Shuttle.

Can my friends who are not Western students ride the WWU Late Night Shuttle with me?

Unfortunately, they cannot. The WWU Late Night Shuttle is only available for Western students and select Western employees.

How late does the shuttle run?

The WWU Late Night Shuttle leaves on its last run from either Haggard Hall or the Viking Union at 2:30 AM everyday. Each shuttle will complete its run and then go out of service at Haggard Hall or Viking Union, respectively.

What time does the shuttle begin service?

The WWU Late Night 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 WWU Late Night 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?

Currently the WWU Late Night Shuttle does not operate during Summer Quarter.