System Service
- All DART buses and trains
- Trinity Railway Express trains between Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Airport Station
- DART On-Call and FLEX service
Regional Service
- All DART buses and trains (except Paratransit)
- All Trinity Railway Express service, plus the T in Fort Worth and the DCTA in Denton County
- DART On-Call and FLEX service
How much does an annual DART Transit Pass cost?
It depends on the service level of the Transit Pass you select. You may choose from the Local, System or Regional DART Transit Pass. Annual Local Service Transit Passes cost $312, the System cost $480 and the Regional cost $576.
What is the Commuting Employee Assistance program?
To encourage the use of public transportation and to help reduce the number of vehicles on campus, the University will subsidize the cost of the annual DART Local, System or Regional Transit Pass for employees who do not have an SMU parking permit by $156.00, an amount equivalent to half the cost of the Annual Local DART Transit Pass.
How much will an annual DART Transit Pass cost if I do not have an SMU parking permit?
The cost for the Local Service Transit Pass is $156, the System cost is $324 and the Regional cost is $420 if
you do not have an SMU parking permit.
Can I give up my SMU parking permit to become eligible for Commuting Employee Assistance?
Yes, you must return your SMU parking permit to the Park ‘N Pony Office when you pick up your 2012 annual DART Transit Pass to be eligible for the Commuting Employee Assistance discount. The price of your annual DART Transit Pass will be subsidized by $156 regardless of the service level you choose.
Why should I buy my annual DART Transit Pass through the Park ‘N Pony Office instead of directly from DART?
Because you can purchase your annual DART Transit Pass through the Park ‘N Pony off the steeply discounted Employer Corporate rate rather than the individual rate. The Employer Corporate DART Transit Pass rate is more than half off the rate and individual would pay if they purchased their transit pass from DART directly. In example, the Employer Corporate rate for a Local Service annual DART Transit Pass is $312; the individual rate is $650.
How do I get an annual DART Transit Pass?
To order your annual DART Transit Pass you must submit your request to the Park ‘N Pony Office using the on-line application at http://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/parknpony.aspx. You will receive an e-mail notifying you when your new DART transit pass is ready for you to pick-up at the Park ‘N Pony Office.
Can I pay for a DART Transit Pass through pre-tax payroll deductions?
Benefits eligible SMU employees only may pay for the expense for their annual DART Transit Pass through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis. All other SMU employees and contract service provider employees must purchase the annual DART Transit Pass at the established corporate rate with cash or check.
Do I have to pay for my annual DART Transit Pass through pre-tax payroll deductions?
No, paying for your annual DART Transit Pass through pre-tax payroll deduction is completely voluntary. You may also pay for your annual DART Transit Pass with cash or check (s) when you pick it up at the Park ‘N Pony Office. You will have to pay the appropriate amount in full at the time you pick up the Transit Pass.
How does paying for my annual DART Transit Pass through pre-tax payroll deductions benefit me?
You do not have to pay income or employment taxes on wages committed to purchasing your annual DART Transit Pass.
How do I know if I’m a “benefits eligible” SMU employee?
Generally, if you are eligible for participation in the SMU retirement and health benefit programs you are a benefits eligible employee. If you’re unsure of your benefits eligibility status, please visithttp://smu.edu/hr/Benefits/Eligibility.asp for more information.
What if I give up my parking permit and I have an emergency and need a ride home?
Twice each quarter employees who purchase an annual DART Corporate Transit Pass have the option of taking a free cab ride home (maximum of 50 miles one-way). Restrictions apply.
What If I decide to purchase an SMU parking permit after I purchased an annual DART Transit Pass at the subsidized Commuting Employee Assistance rate?
You must repay the full $156 Commuter Assistance subsidy when you purchase your SMU parking permit.
Can I purchase any other type of DART Transit Pass besides the annual DART Transit Pass at the Park ‘N Pony Office?
No, only annual DART Transit passes are available for purchase at the Park ‘N Pony Office. Please visit http://dart.org/fares/wheretobuy.asp or the DART Store On-line at http://www.dartstore.org/for more information and to purchase other types of DART Transit Passes.
Are DART Transit Passes refundable?
No, annual DART Transit Passes are not refundable.
Can I keep my DART Transit Pass if I leave the University?
Yes, you can keep your annual DART Transit Pass. Employees who pay for their annual DART Transit Pass through payroll deductions will have the balance of the annual amount owed for the Transit Pass deducted from their final payroll check when they separate from the University.
How do I get a new DART Transit Pass if it is lost or stolen?
Employees must purchase a replacement annual DART Transit Pass at a prorated cost.
What forms of payment are accepted for DART Transit Passes?
The Park ‘N Pony Office only accepts cash, money orders or checks. Credit cards are not accepted.
How long is the DART Transit Pass valid for?
The annual DART Transit Pass is valid for the full calendar year, January 1st through December 31st.
If I decide to purchase my annual DART Transit Pass later on will the cost be prorated?
Yes, the cost will be prorated based on the number of calendar days remaining before the Transit Pass expires.