U-Pass FAQs
How do I get one?
When is U-Pass Distribution scheduled?
When are U-Passes valid?
Are U-Passes offered during the Summer semester?
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?
How do I use my U-Pass?
Are U-Passes valid on PACE buses?
Can I sell it or let a friend use it if I am not planning to?
Is participation optional?
I drive – Does the U-Pass have any benefits for me?
How will I be charged?
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 and student schedule in order to receive a U-Pass, otherwise your service will be denied.
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.
Fall 2009 U-Pass distribution will be located at 1104 S. Wabash. Distribution will be open the first Friday before classes start so that students will not have to pay for transportation into the city for their first day of class. However the college will be closed Monday, September 3rd in observance of Labor Day. The distribution schedule is as follows:
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.
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.
U-Passes can NOT be obtained through the CTA, only through Columbia's Campus Card Office.
If you have fallen below Full-Time status during the add/drop period, the CTA will deactivate your U-Pass. The U-Pass assessment fee will then be credited to your account after the add/drop period.
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.
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.
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 9 credit hours for Graduates.
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
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 2009-2010 academic year will be $0.81 per day.
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.
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.
When is U-Pass Distribution scheduled?
When are U-Passes valid?
Are U-Passes offered during the Summer semester?
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?
How do I use my U-Pass?
Are U-Passes valid on PACE buses?
Can I sell it or let a friend use it if I am not planning to?
Is participation optional?
I drive – Does the U-Pass have any benefits for me?
How will I be charged?
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 and student schedule in order to receive a U-Pass, otherwise your service will be denied.
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.
Fall 2009 U-Pass distribution will be located at 1104 S. Wabash. Distribution will be open the first Friday before classes start so that students will not have to pay for transportation into the city for their first day of class. However the college will be closed Monday, September 3rd in observance of Labor Day. The distribution schedule is as follows:
| Friday | Sept 4: | 9:00-6:00 |
| Tuesday | Sept 8: | 9:00-6:00 |
| Wednesday | Sept 9: | 9:00-6:00 |
| Thursday | Sept 10: | 9:00-6:00 |
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.
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.
U-Passes can NOT be obtained through the CTA, only through Columbia's Campus Card Office.
If you have fallen below Full-Time status during the add/drop period, the CTA will deactivate your U-Pass. The U-Pass assessment fee will then be credited to your account after the add/drop period.
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.
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.
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 9 credit hours for Graduates.
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
How will I be charged?
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.
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 2009-2010 academic year will be $0.81 per day.
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.
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.