U-Pass FAQs
What if I pickup my U-Pass, but then drop a course and fall below Full-Time status?
Where and how often can I use my U-Pass per day?
Are U-Passes valid on PACE buses?
Can I sell it or let a friend use it if I am not planning to?
I drive – Does the U-Pass have any benefits for me?
How does the CTA determine the U-Pass fee?
I am disabled and cannot use the CTA, can I get a waiver?
Where can I call for directions?
Eligible students are responsible for picking up their U-Passes. All students MUST present a valid Columbia College Chicago Campus Card in order to receive a U-Pass.
U-Pass distribution days/times are announced at the beginning of Fall and Spring semesters. Look for signs on campus and e-mail notices outlining date and time specifics.
U-Pass will be valid for CTA travel during the semester; it is activated on the first day of classes and is deactivated on the last day of classes each semester.
What if I pickup my U-Pass, but then drop a course and fall below Full-Time status?
After the add/drop period each semester, we send an updated list of eligible students to the CTA. If you have fallen below Full-Time status during the add/drop period, your name will not be on this list, and the CTA will deactivate your U-Pass. The U-Pass fee assessment will be credited to your account.
You may travel anywhere the CTA's buses and trains go, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as often as you want during the semester. However, you cannot reuse your card at the same station or bus line for 10-15 minutes.
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.
Are U-Passes valid on PACE buses?
Yes, U-Passes ARE valid on PACE buses, but NOT on Metra trains.
Can I sell it or let a friend use it if I am not planning to?
No, the CTA U-Pass is non-transferable and carries your photo and ID number. 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.
All Chicago college students who are Full-Time and degree-seeking are required to participate in the program. Full-Time is defined as 12 credit hours for Undergraduates, and nine credit hours for Graduates.
I drive – Does the U-Pass have any benefits for me?
The U-Pass gives you an opportunity to get out of your car and:
explore the city and culture beyond campus. The U-Pass saves you money too! Show your U-Pass and receive discounts at participating local businesses around campus. Check out the link below for a full list: www.transitchicago.com
Each eligible student will be charged a nominal fee automatically to his/her tuition bill. This helps defray CTA's costs for offering the program. You will be charged even if you do not pick up your U-Pass. Failure to pick up the U-Pass does not eliminate the charge.
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.
I am disabled and cannot use the CTA, can I get a waiver?
Contact the Services for Student’s with Disabilities Office at (312) 344-8296; 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.
Where can I call for directions?
Get travel information and directions by calling the RTA Travel Center at 836-7000 from any area code. They are available from 5am – 1am daily. This number is also listed on the back of your U-Pass for easy reference.