Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
How do I activate my GoPass?
You should receive an email from DART with instructions. You can visit for information on downloading the app and registering your phone. Remember the GoPass is specific to the mobile phone number and your SMU email address on your my.smu.edu account.
What if I lose my pass?
Lost or Stolen Passes: The corporate pro-rated replacement cost of a lost or stolen DART Transit Pass is the responsibility of the card holder. Contact the Parking and ID Card Services Office for details email idcard@smu.edu
Do I contact DART?
No, all orders are processed by the Parking & ID Card Services Office then submitted to DART for final processing.
Where can the DART GoPass be used?
Annual DART Local Passes are good on all DART trains and buses, including FLEX and DART On-Call, Trinity Railway Express between Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. Annual DART Regional Passes are good on all DART trains and buses, including FLEX and DART On-Call, Trinity Railway Express, the T in Ft. Worth and Denton County Transportation Authority trains and buses.
Are DART GoPasses for the academic school year?
DART GoPasses are valid for the calendar year, January 1st through December 31st.
Frequently Asked Employee DART Questions.
Why did DART make this change?
Effective on January 2012, DART charged SMU the same Employer Corporate Rate paid by all other educational, corporate, and governmental partners for annual DART passes issued to employees. This change brings SMU in line with all other corporate DART customers.
Do I need a DART GoPass to ride the SMU Express?
No, a DART GoPass is not required to ride the SMU Express. Anyone can ride the SMU Express without charge.
Who can purchase an annual DART GoPass?
All benefits eligible and adjunct employees may purchase a System or Regional Annual DART GoPass through the Parking and ID Card Services Office at the discounted Employer Corporate rate established by DART.
What types of annual DART GoPasses are available?
System or Regional Annual DART GoPasses are available for purchase.
What are the service levels provided by each type of annual DART GoPass?
System Service
Regional Service
How much does an annual DART GoPass cost?
It depends on the service level of the GoPass you select. You may choose from the System or Regional DART GoPass.
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 System or Regional GoPass for employees who 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 Parking and ID Card Services Office when you pick up your annual DART GoPass to be eligible for the Commuting Employee Assistance discount. The price of your annual DART GoPass will be subsidized regardless of the service level you choose.
Why should I buy my annual DART GoPass through the Parking and ID Card Services Office instead of directly from DART?
Because you can purchase your annual DART GoPass at a discounted Employer Corporate rate rather than the individual rate. The Employer Corporate DART GoPass rate is more than half off the rate an individual would pay if they purchased their transit pass directly from DART.
How do I get an annual DART GoPass?
To order your annual DART GoPass you must submit your request to the Parking and ID Card Services Office using their online employee request form. An email will be sent when your new DART GoPass is ready for pick-up at the Parking and ID Card Services Office.
Can I pay for a DART GoPass through pre-tax payroll deduction?
Yes, benefits eligible SMU employees may pay for their annual DART GoPass through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis. All other SMU employees and contract service provider employees must purchase the annual DART GoPass at the established corporate rate with cash or check unless other arrangements have been made by their employer.
Do I have to pay for my annual DART GoPass through pre-tax payroll deductions?
No, paying for your annual DART GoPass through pre-tax payroll deduction is completely voluntary. You may also pay for your annual DART GoPass with cash or check in advance of your order being placed to DART by the Parking and ID Card Services Office.
How does paying for my annual DART GoPass through pre-tax payroll deductions benefit me?
By not having 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?
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 visit /BusinessFinance/HR 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 GoPass 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 GoPass at the subsidized Commuting Employee Assistance rate?
You must repay the full Commuter Assistance subsidy when you purchase your SMU parking permit.
Can I purchase any other type of DART Transit Pass besides the annual DART GoPass at the Parking and ID Card Services Office?
No, only annual DART GoPasses are available for purchase on the Parking and ID Card Services Office website smu.edu/parkingID. Please visit or the DART Store On-line at for more information and to purchase other types of DART Transit Passes.
Are DART GoPasses refundable?
No, annual DART GoPasses are not refundable.
Can I keep my DART GoPass if I leave the University?
Yes, you can keep your annual DART GoPass. Employees who pay for their annual DART GoPass through payroll deductions will have the balance of the annual amount owed for the GoPass deducted from their final payroll check if they separate from the University.
How do I get a new DART GoPass if it is lost or stolen?
Employees must purchase a replacement annual DART GoPass at a prorated cost.
What forms of payment are accepted for DART GoPasses?
The Parking and ID Card Services Office accepts cash, checks or money orders. Credit cards are not accepted.
How long is the DART GoPass 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 GoPass later on will the cost be prorated?
Yes, the cost will be prorated based on the number of calendar days remaining before the GoPass expires.