U-Pass
The Graduate School and CTA provide the CTA University Pass (U-Pass) to graduate students enrolled full-time in The Graduate School. In March 2013, the Chicago Transit Authority announced increases to the cost of its fares system-wide. The cost of the U-Pass will change from $.81 per day to $1.07 per day, a 32% increase, beginning Summer Quarter 2013. This change will be factored into the Activity Fee for full-time students beginning Fall 2013. This will be the first activity fee increase in four years.
The CTA U-Pass program will also change its fare cards to a new system (called Ventra, a contactless payment system that will serve as a U-Pass). Benefits of this system include:
- One-time distribution: no need to get a new card every quarter
- Can be used 365 days a year
- Can be used on CTA buses and trains, and Pace buses
- Can be changed to a full-fare card once you are no longer enrolled full-time
- Personalization with your photo and name
Have a question or an issue? Take a look below or read our U-Pass FAQ!
If you cannot find your answer on our TGS website please e-mail tgs-u-pass@northwestern.edu for details.
Am I eligible for a U-Pass?
All full-time students enrolled in The Graduate School (TGS) are eligible for a U-Pass, with the exception of those enrolled in TGS 512 (continuous registration), 513, 514, 510 (Co-op internship), 410, 411, 412, and 412.
I’m not eligible for a U-Pass. Can I buy the U-Pass?
No, students cannot pay the TGS Student Activity Fee if it hasn’t been charged to their account.
Where can I pick up my U-Pass?
Check the quarterly U-Pass Distribution schedule
What if my U-Pass is lost or stolen?
Students should bring a valid school ID, and $50 (cash, credit card or money order) non-refundable replacement fee to the CTA Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM).
A replacement U-Pass will be issued and sent to TGS within 5-7 business days. CTA will replace lost or stolen U-Pass cards only ONCE per academic term.
If U-Pass is put into the cash slot on a bus, it is treated as lost/stolen and students need to pay $50.00 for a replacement.
What if my U-Pass is captured in CTA fare equipment?
On CTA Buses:
The card will be collected. Students will be asked to complete a Report of Captured Farecard (form 3027). Students will be allowed to ride free and given a copy of the report.
Bring a copy of the form and student ID to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street (Monday-Friday 8am-4pm) to request a replacement U-Pass. The replacement U-Pass will be sent to TGS in 5-7 business days. Students will not be issued any temporary fare.
At CTA train stations:
The card will be collected. Students will be asked to complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (Form 3024), and they will be issued a $5.00 transit card and a copy of the report.
Bring the report and student ID to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, to request a replacement U-Pass. When students present the form to the customer service agent, they will be issued an unlimited five-day transit pass. The replacement U-Pass will be sent to TGS in 5-7 business days.
What if my U-Pass is damaged or defective?
Bring the damaged card and student ID to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm to request a replacement U-Pass. Damaged cards will be collected and students will be issued a 7-day unlimited ride pass.
The replacement U-Pass will be sent to TGS in 5-7 business days.
