Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Eco Pass and how do I get one?
A. The Eco Pass Project is a partnership between De Anza College’s Associated Student Body (DASB) and Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA), which allows enrolled students at De Anza College the opportunity to enjoy unlimited rides on all VTA Buses and Light Rail for the duration of each quarter with a valid sticker. Simply show your validated DASB card, with the VTA sticker affixed, to your VTA Bus operator or when requested by a Light Rail fare inspector. You must order your Eco Pass sticker for each quarter term. A valid sticker will have a serial number and your student ID number on it. Transfer of the sticker to another person is prohibited. Only a DASB Eco Pass sticker, used with your De Anza DASB Card ID, is valid on VTA. Other ID or proof of De Anza enrollment is not valid for transportation. Follow the steps to get your Eco Pass.
Q. How soon will I receive the DASB Eco Pass by mail after I pay?
A. It varies. De Anza contracts with a separate vendor to send the DASB Eco Pass sticker by mail when ordered. After you pay your registration fees, you MUST ORDER the Eco Pass sticker if you want to use it. Typically the sticker will be available to order after the registration period begins for a quarter term (usually the ninth week of the previous quarter). For the fall quarter, the sticker will be available to order starting September 1st. You must have paid your registration fees or be on a payment plan in order to receive the sticker. De Anza encourages students to pay as soon as possible after registering for classes so that we can mail out the DASB Eco Pass sticker before the expiration date of the previous quarter’s sticker. You can expect to receive the sticker within a week that it is ordered.
Q. Is there a deadline for ordering the sticker to use for a quarter term?
A. A student may order an Eco Pass through Friday of the eighth week of the quarter during the fall, winter and spring quarters. For the summer, you may order it up through the Friday of the sixth week of the summer quarter.
Q. Which address will De Anza use for sending the Eco Pass stickers by mail?
A. De Anza will use the mailing address that you use when applying for the DASB Eco Pass. De Anza will not mail to any address located outside of California. Students who participate will be required to apply for the Eco Pass each quarter and summer session.
Q. Do I have to sign up every quarter if I want a sticker?
A. Yes. The Eco Pass sticker is only issued to students who are properly enrolled in classes at De Anza College and have paid all of their fees or made arrangement for a payment plan with the Cashier's Office.
Q. Is there a grace period after the expiration date of the old Eco Pass sticker?
A. The VTA sticker is valid for two weeks before the quarter begins and two weeks after the quarter ends. The valid dates are listed on the Eco Pass sticker for the term it may be used. After this period, there's no grace period. VTA will not allow you to board if you use an expired sticker on the buses or light rail, and the expired sticker may be confiscated. The VTA sticker is valid only on the dates noted on the sticker. The previous quarter’s sticker must be removed, and only the current quarter's sticker should be affixed on the DASB card.
Q. Can I use the Eco Pass during recess periods between quarters?
A. Yes. The dates that an Eco Pass may be used are listed on the sticker for each quarter term. 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 sticker during winter, spring and summer recess breaks. Once you start using the Eco Pass, you will want to order your sticker for the upcoming term that you are enrolled, keep the sticker on hand in a safe and secure place when it is received, remove the old sticker when it is no longer valid, and place the new sticker on your DASB student ID card on the date that the new Eco Pass sticker becomes valid.
Q. I have applied for financial aid and I am waiting for financial aid approval and/or disbursement. Can I get the Eco Pass sticker?
A. Students generally receive their financial aid during the first week of classes. As previously mentioned, the sticker is valid for two weeks before the quarter begins and two weeks after the quarter ends.
Q. I lost my DASB Card. How can I get a replacement Eco Pass?
A. DASB will replace lost or stolen Eco Passes and will charge a $25 first time processing fee for replacement of the Eco Pass. If a police report is provided describing the Eco Pass as stolen, DASB will replace the pass for a $5 first-time processing fee for replacement of the Eco Pass. If the same student loses the pass or has it stolen a second time, the fee will be $50 for replacement of the Eco Pass regardless of whether a police report is provided. An Eco Pass will not be issued a third time. If a replacement pass is issued and the original is found, DASB will not provide a refund. There is also a $5 replacement fee for lost or stolen DASB Cards. To get more information, please visit the Office of College Life located on the lower level of the Hinson Campus Center. The Eco Pass is only valid when affixed to an authorized and current De Anza Student ID card.
Q. May I give away or sell my sticker since I don't ride VTA?
A. Absolutely not. The sticker 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 DASB Eco Pass sticker, or accept a DASB Eco Pass sticker from another student. The College will report any solicitation of sale or transfer of the sticker to law enforcement authorities. Students in violation may be liable for the amount equal to the cost of a VTA Adult Express Annual Pass (approximately $1500) 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 Eco Pass holders shall be subject to VTA’s fare inspection regulations. Misuse will result in confiscation by VTA authorized personnel.
