If you have a question concerning SMART Cards that is not answered below, send email to
.
What is a SMART Card?
A SMART Card will replace the current ID Card for Pittsburgh campus students and benefits-eligible faculty and staff. CMU's SMART Card will provide upgraded technology for accessing the Port Authority Transit system within Allegheny County. SMART Cards contain a computer chip allowing cardholders to simply "tap" their card on the PAT bus (or incline or T) reader in order to gain transportation access.
Who is eligible to receive the new SMART Card?
All Pittsburgh campus students and benefits-eligible faculty and staff.
Why is CMU transitioning to a SMART Card?
The transition is required by the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT). The new SMART Card technology will lead to easier and more efficient use of PAT benefits.
How will I receive my new SMART Card?
Distribution instructions vary for students, staff and faculty:
Do I need to submit a new ID photo or can I use my current one?
Your current ID photo will be used on your new SMART Card; however, you may submit a new photo online to be used on your new SMART Card. If submitting a new photo, the deadline for faculty and staff is June 15 and for students is July 12.
What if I'm not able to pick up my SMART Card during the dates specified?
All SMART Cards not distributed during the weeks specified will be held in The HUB, lower level of Warner Hall, for pick up during regular business hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What if I do not have my most current ID Card to turn in upon receiving my new SMART Card?
If you do not have your most current ID Card to turn in, then you will need to visit The HUB (lower level of Warner Hall) to purchase a new SMART Card. Those who do not turn in their most current and active old ID Card in exchange for their new SMART Card will need to pay a $25 replacement fee. ID Cards that have previously been deactivated for any reason cannot be accepted as "current" ID Cards.
Do I have to pay $25 for a new card, if I do not turn in my current and active old ID Card in exchange for my new SMART Card?
Yes. If you DO NOT turn in your most current and active old ID Card in exchange for your SMART Card, you must pay a $25 fee. In order to protect your information and assist with keeping secure afterhours access on the CMU campus, a replacement card must be produced in order to retire the old card number and mark it as inactive.
I have a "sponsored" or "affiliate" ID Card; will I receive the new SMART Card?
No. Since the technology on the SMART Card is being used for PAT access, only current Pittsburgh campus students and staff and faculty with PAT privileges, which is denoted by a bus icon on the current ID Card, are eligible to receive a new SMART Card. View more information about
sponsored and affiliate ID Cards.
Will the SMART Card affect my building, housing, dining, Plaid Ca$h and print quota?
No. Campus building and housing accommodation access, dining plans, Plaid Ca$h and printing quotas will not be affected by the transition to the SMART Card. All current and relevant access and plan information will be coded on the new SMART Card and will be ready for use upon pick up.
What will happen if my new SMART Card does not tap on the bus, incline or T?
Please contact The HUB (
smartcards@andrew.cmu.edu or 412-268-8186) if your SMART Card is not accepted on a PAT bus, incline or T. During the transition period through June 2014, all individuals with a SMART Card will be granted access to transit.
How long will my new SMART Card last?
Graduate student SMART Cards will have a two-year expiration date. Undergraduate student, faculty and staff SMART Cards will have a four-year expiration date.
I am a graduating student; am I eligible to receive a new SMART Card?
No. Students graduating in December 2013 and May 2014 with current ID Cards that do not expire before they graduate will not be eligible to receive a new SMART Card. Your current ID Card will continue to be accepted on the PAT system through June 2014.
What do I do if my SMART Card is confiscated by the Port Authority operator?
Current CMU ID Cards and the new SMART Cards should never be confiscated by a PAT operator. If your card is confiscated, report the incident to The HUB immediately (via email at
smartcards@andrew.cmu.edu or by calling 412-268-8186) and include the following information: Route of transit, the number of the vehicle, time of day, operator name if known, and a description of why your card was confiscated. With the necessary information provided, The HUB will assist you in retrieving your card and with the replacement card process, if needed.
