How do I get one?
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. No exceptions will be granted.

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, times and location. U-Passes can NOT be obtained through the CTA, only through Columbia's Campus Card Office.

When is U-Pass Distribution scheduled?
Spring 2012 U-Pass distribution will be located at 1104 S. Wabash, 1st floor on Thursday, January 12th and Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 9:00-6:00. You must present a valid Campus Card to obtain your U-Pass. 

U-Passes will then be available at the Campus Card Office Monday - Friday from 9:00-5:00. The Campus Card Office is located at 600 S. Michigan Ave., on the 3rd floor.

When are U-Passes valid?
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.

Are U-Passes offered during the Summer semester?
No, U-Passes are NOT offered during the Summer semester. Based on demographic and polling data, previous Summer classes did not meet the residential, demographic, and enrollment requirements to make a Summer U-Pass Program a success for all students involved.

What if I pick up my U-Pass, but then drop a course and fall below Full-Time status?
If you fall below full-time status during the add/drop period (the first two weeks of each semester), the CTA will deactivate your U-Pass. The U-Pass Fee will be credited to your account during the add/drop period.  Students who withdraw from all of their classes after the add/drop period will also have their U-Pass deactivated. The U-Pass Fee is not credited for total withdrawals. 

Where and how often can I use my U-Pass per day?
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.

How do I use my 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.

Are U-Passes valid on PACE buses?
No, U-Passes are NOT valid on Pace buses. You may view the Pace website for information on discounted Pace transit cards for Full-Time college students.

Can I sell it or let a friend use it if I am not planning to?
No, the CTA U-Pass is non-transferable as it 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.

Is participation optional?
All Chicago college students who are Full-Time and are required to participate in the program. Full-Time is defined as 12 credit hours for Undergraduates, and 9 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. Save money on ever-increasing gas prices and parking by using your U-Pass in the city. 

How will I be charged?
Each eligible student will be charged the $90 U-Pass Fee on their 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 2011-2012 academic year is $0.81 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) 369-8296; 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.