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The U-Pass
Obtaining the U-Pass
Using the U-Pass
Replacement U-Pass
Activity Fee Waivers
Get More Help
The U-Pass
What is a U-Pass? CTA University Pass (U-Pass) is a discounted fare card that replaces cash/other transit cards for all CTA fares and does not require a transfer or surcharge for unlimited rides all day, every day. Check out CTA’s Top Transit Trips Section!
Eligibility
Who is eligible? All full-time enrolled graduate students, with the exception of those enrolled in TGS 512 (continuous registration), 513, 514, 510 (Co-op internship) 506, 507, and 508 registrations.
How are quarterly full-time enrolled lists created for CTA?
Quarterly lists submitted to CTA are created from prior enrollments, minus students registered for 512 and minus students whose expected graduation term is the same quarter that the list is being sent. For example, if students plan to graduate in June or December, their names will not be included in the summer quarter or winter quarter lists, respectively.
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Obtaining the U-Pass
How do students obtain a U-Pass? See Fall Quarter 2009 U-Pass distribution.
If you missed the distribution dates, you may pick up your U-Pass from The Graduate School in the Evanston Campus. If for some reason, The Graduate School office don't have your U-Pass,we will take your information and put your name on the Late Issuance list. On Thursdays at 4 p.m., Late Issuance lists are submitted to CTA for U-Pass delivery by early the following week. Informing The Graduate School before that time is preferable. Generally, U-Passes arrive on Tuesday from lists submitted Thursday although they have arrived as late as the following Wednesday. Students will be notified when the U-Passes arrive via email.
How do new full-time graduate students who enroll for the first time during a particular quarter or students who register late get a U-Pass? Students who are enrolling for the first time during any quarter or students who register late must obtain a WildCARD and inform their department assistant that they have done so. We will then submit their information to CTA and U-Passes can be created for them.
Can U-Passes be mailed? The U-Pass is considered a type of cash which should not be sent by mail.
I will not be in town during the U-Pass distribution. Where can I pick up my U-Pass upon my return? If you are on Evanston Campus, you can pick up the U-Pass at The Graduate School, 633 Clark, across from Burger King in the Clock tower building, North Tower, 1st floor. Chicago Campus students can pick up their U-Passes from The Graduate School Office at Abbott Hall, Room 1010, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive.
I work on both campuses. Where should I pick up my U-Pass? Please inform us before the U-Pass Distribution date of which campus you prefer and we will send your U-Pass there.
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Using the U-Pass
What are the activation and termination dates of the U-Pass? For Summer Quarter 2009, the activation dates are June 18 - August 31, 2009, and for Fall Quarter 2009, September 15 - December 31, 2009.
Why do we have two three-week breaks in the U-Pass service during September and December?
The price of the U-Pass is based on an 80 day quarter. If the U-Pass were going to cover 365 days of the year, the price would go up. CTA charges $0.70 x the number of students x the number of days in a quarter. The contract allows the U-Pass to be used 5 days before the quarter begins and 5 days after the quarter ends.
At what other times are U-Passes deactivated?U-Passes will be deactivated for students not enrolled full-time a week after the Change of Registration deadline for the current quarter.
How often can I use my U-Pass per day?
As often as you want (you can't reuse your card at the same station or on the same bus line for 10-15 minutes). The U-Pass allows you unlimited rides on the CTA, anytime, anywhere, any reason.
Can I use my U-Pass on Pace suburban bus and Metra commuter train lines?
No. Effective January 1, 2009, your U-Pass will not be accepted on PACE buses.
Can I share my U-Pass with my friends?
The U-Pass is not transferable and shall be confiscated by CTA and its holder subject to criminal prosecution if it is misused or presented for transportation by any person other than the person to whom it is issued. CTA maintains the right to inspect the U-Pass used by a student and to ask the student for another form of identification to ensure that the pass is being used by the person to whom it is issued. Further, CTA maintains the right to deny a student access to the CTA system at the U-Pass reduced fee if the student does not possess both the U-Pass and a current School I.D.
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:
- save money - no parking, gas and car upkeep costs;
- help save the environment - lower fuel emissions; and
- reduce frustration - avoid traffic congestion.
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Replacement U-Pass
What if my U-Pass is lost or stolen?
Bring your valid school ID, and $35 (cash, credit card or money order only) to the CTA general offices at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL. A replacement U-Pass will be issued and sent to your school within 5-7 business days. CTA will replace lost or stolen U-Pass cards only ONCE per academic year.
What if my U-Pass is captured in CTA fare equipment?
On CTA Bus, the student will be asked to complete a Report of Captured Farecard (form 3027). The student will be allowed to ride free and given a pink copy of the report for his/her record. At CTA Rail Stations, the student will be asked to complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (form 3024). The student will be given $4.50 transit card and a copy of the FDR for his/her records.
• The student will be instructed to go to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL to request a replacement U-Pass.
• When the student presents the form to the customer service agent, he or she will be provided an unlimited five-day transit pass.
• The replacement U-Pass will be sent to the students school in 5-7 business days.
What if my U-Pass is damaged or defective?
On CTA Bus, the student will be asked to complete a Report of Captured Farecard (form 3027). The student will be allowed to ride free and given a pink copy of the report for his/her record.
At CTA Rail Stations, the student will be asked to complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (form 3024). The student will be allowed to ride free and given a copy of the FDR for his/her records.
• The student will be instructed to go to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd Floor to request a replacement U-Pass.
• When the student presents the form to the customer service agent, he or she will be provided an unlimited five-day transit pass.
• The replacement U-Pass will be sent to the students school in 5-7 business days.
What codes will appear if my U-Pass is not working?
Only 2 codes will appear if the U-Pass is not working: code 13 which automatically means its damaged and code 57 which means it is 'hotlisted': either the school requested it be deactivated, or it was reported lost or stolen.
My U-Pass has been deactivated and it is still not working?
The U-Pass Specialist at the CTA works to reactivate student U-Passes. If the serial numbers for the U-Passes awaiting reactivation are submitted after 3 p.m., they will not get reactivated until the following day. This is due to the staff availability in that department. Once the serial number is put into the system, it will become active at midnight - the system updates every night at midnight. At that point the U-Pass works instantaneously on the train. However, it can take up to 48 hours (or more) for the U-Pass to become active again on buses, because it depends on when that specific bus pulls into the garage to update its data.
How many replacement U-Passes am I allowed?
Only ONE replacement card will be issued per year, unless the card is damaged or defective (as opposed to lost or stolen).
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Activity Fee Waivers
I will not be enrolled this quarter. Will I be charged for the activity fee? If you are not enrolled, you will not be charged the activity fee, nor receive its attendant services.
I am going to be enrolled and studying abroad or off-campus during the quarter. Do I have to pay the activity fee? No, if you are studying abroad or will be off-campus this quarter, you are eligible for an activity fee waiver. If the fee is waived, you will be not be eligible for its attendant services.
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Get More Help with the U-Pass
Where can I call for directions?
Get travel information and directions by calling the RTA Travel Center at 836-7000 from any area code (TTY: 312-836-4949). Operators are available daily from 5 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. They can also send you a CTA System Map, Downtown Sightseeing Guide or schedules. CTA Maps and Downtown Sightseeing Guides are also available at CTA train stations.
Who do I talk to if I have a question about my U-Pass?
Talk to us -- we have answers at the U-Pass Hotline 312-664-7200 ext: 13088
Other FAQ from the CTA U-Pass Website at http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/upass.aspx.
Last updated: Aug 28 2009 11:39AM
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