What is the U-PASS?

The CTA established the CTA U-PASS program for eligible full-time students at accredited, post-secondary, degree granting schools within the CTA service area. It is an attempt to provide a transportation program that will reduce demand for on-campus parking, reduce pollution, provide low cost transportation to students and increase access to the Chicago metropolitan area.

Each semester all eligible students (full-time undergraduate students, and full-time graduate students from the Graduate College, College of Dentistry, College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, School of Public Health, and Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program are assessed a nonrefundable U-PASS fee entitling them to a nontransferable UIC CTA U-PASS valid for that semester. The fee for the fall 2007 semester is $95. The U-PASS is good for unlimited use aboard all CTA buses and trains throughout the semester.

Where do I pick my U-PASS up?

See the Distribution FAQ.

I think I am a full-time student.  Am I Eligible for the U-PASS?

See the Eligibility FAQ.

Who made the decision to require the fee?

The Board of Trustees approved the fee for full-time undergraduate students beginning Fall 2001 after a recommendation from the campus based upon significant student input, including two referenda. After a referendum for graduate students, the Board of Trustees approved the fee beginning Fall 2002 for full-time graduate students in the Graduate College, College of Pharmacy and School of Public Health.

After taking students' overwhelming support of the U-PASS into account, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved a five year contract for the U-PASS at their July 13, 2005 meeting.  The U-PASS student referendum passed  with strong support.  Of the 4941 total votes cast,  86% percent voted in favor of the U-PASS, while only 14% percent voted against the U-PASS. 

The College of Medicine students voted in favor (72%) of having all classes eligible for the U-PASS beginning summer 2007.

Why is the U-PASS fee required?

The CTA requires the University to assess all eligible students in order for us to participate in this program.

I am disabled and cannot use the CTA. How do I get a waiver?

Contact the Office of Disability Services, 413-2183; they will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis. The disability must be documented AND the CTA must be unable to accommodate the disability for a waiver to be granted.

How do I use the U-PASS?

The U-PASS works like a CTA fare card. It is inserted into the fare machines at CTA train stations and on CTA buses. NOTE: On CTA buses. If you insert your U-PASS into the money slot instead of the fare machine, your U-PASS will be captured.

When is the U-PASS valid?

The U-PASS will be valid for CTA travel during the semester, as well as the five days before classes begin and the five days after finals end (based on the official academic calendar). The fall 2007 U-PASS will be valid from August 22 - Deceber 19.

Is the U-PASS valid on PACE buses?

The U-PASS is valid on PACE buses.   Premium Pace services require an additional fee.

I drive to campus / I don't want the U-PASS. Can I get a refund?

No refunds can be issued. All eligible, full-time students will be assessed the fee.

Can I sell it or let a friend use it if I am not planning to use it?

No, the UIC CTA U-PASS is nontransferable and carries your photo and last seven digits of your UIN (the blue numbers on your i-card). The CTA reserves the right to require a student to show a valid school identification card upon request. If this condition is violated, the U-PASS will be confiscated for the duration of the valid dates without reimbursement, and the person may be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Do students at other universities participate in this program?

Over 40 other universities and colleges in Chicago also participate in this program (e.g. Loyola, DePaul, Roosevelt, etc.). (Students at the Urbana campus of the University of Illinois also have a required transportation fee for public transportation in Urbana and Champaign).

How does the CTA determine the U-PASS fee?

The fee is determined based on the rate of payment to the CTA plus administrative costs to run the program.  The payment rate for the 2007-2008 academic year is $0.70 per day.

We have 3 more FAQ's on Distribution, Eligibility, and Replacement.  You can also visit the CTA's U-Pass website.