VTA SmartPass

ASFC VTA SmartPass

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the SmartPass and how do I get one?

SmartPass is a partnership between the Associated Students of Foothill College (ASFC) and Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA), which gives Foothill College students the opportunity to enjoy unlimited rides on VTA's Regular Bus Service and Light Rail Service for the duration of each quarter provided you are currently enrolled for the quarter. The SmartPass is load on a Clipper card. The Clipper card is a reloadable contactless smart card used for electronic transit fare payment in the San Francisco/San Jose Bay Area. Keep your Clipper card, it is good for multiple quarters and for life beyond Foothill College.

Q. How do I get a Clipper card?

Get your personalized Clipper card from ASFC Welcome Centerin the Campus Center, room 2016.  You must be enrolled in at least one credit class. Your new SmartPass Clipper card is available for immediate VTA travel.

Q. Do I need to get a new Clipper card each quarter?

No. Keep your Clipper card, it is good for multiple quarters and for life beyond Foothill College.

Q. Do I need to come in to get a new SmartPass each quarter?

No.  As long as you are enrolled in at least one credit class each quarter the SmartPass will remain active.

Q. Is there a grace period after the expiration date of the old SmartPass?

The VTA SmartPass is generally valid for two weeks before the previous quarter ends and two weeks after the next quarter begins. The valid dates are listed below. After this period, there's no grace period. VTA will not allow you to board if your SmartPass has expired and you have not loaded any cash on your Clipper card.

Quarter Ordering Begins Ordering Ends Valid From Pass Valid To
Summer 8th week of spring 8th week of summer 4 weeks before end of spring 2 weeks after start of fall
Fall 9th week of summer 8th week of fall 2 weeks before start of fall 2 weeks after start of winter
Winter 9th week of fall 8th week of winter 2 weeks before end of fall 2 weeks after start of spring
Spring 9th week of winter 8th week of spring 2 weeks before end of winter 2 weeks after start of summer

Q. Can I use the SmartPass during recess periods between quarters?

 Yes, see the above grid. With a two-week overlap period at the start and end of each quarter, the valid dates overlap from quarter to quarter, which will allow use of the SmartPass during winter, spring and summer recess breaks.

Q. I have applied for financial aid and I am waiting for financial aid approval and/or disbursement.

 Students generally receive their financial aid during the first week of classes. As previously mentioned, the SmartPass is generally valid for two weeks before the previous quarter ends and two weeks after the next quarter begins.

Q. I already have a Clipper card. Can I use it for the SmartPass?

No. The SmartPass can only be loaded on Clipper cards provided by the ASFC Welcome Center.

Q. I dropped all my classes. Is my SmartPass still valid?

No, once you drop all your classes your SmartPass will be disabled within 72 hours. DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR CLIPPER CARD. It is still valid for any other values you have added.

Q. May I give away or sell my SmartPass since I don't ride VTA?

Absolutely not. The SmartPass is not transferable. It is a violation of California Penal Code 640 (punishable by a fine of up to $250 and/or community service) if you give away or sell your VTA SmartPass Clipper card, or accept a VTA SmartPass Clipper  from another student. The College will report any solicitation of sale or transfer of the VTA SmartPass Clipper card to law enforcement authorities. Students in violation may be liable for the amount equal to the cost of a VTA Adult Regular Annual Pass (approximately $880) and other violations and disciplinary actions as provided in the Foothill De Anza Community College District's Student Code of Conduct AP (5510) and Student Due Process and Discipline (AP 5520) including possible suspension or expulsion from the College. All VTA SmartPass Clipper card holders shall be subject to VTA's fare inspection regulations. Misuse will result in confiscation by VTA authorized personnel. 
Campus Center Building

ASFC Welcome Center & Design Center (formerly ASFC Smart Shop)

 

650.949.7551


welcomecenter@foothill.edu


Campus Center, Building 2000 Upper Level Room 2016

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