The CTA U-PASS is your ticket to UNLIMITED riding aboard CTA buses and trains. Sign up for your U-PASS during registration; then use it on the CTA bus/rail system anytime, anywhere, for any reason. It's your connection to shopping, sports events, social activities, art and entertainment centers, and all the things Chicago has to offer. Everywhere you need to be! CTA - Can take you.

Important Facts:

• U-PASS offers full-time students unlimited rides on any CTA bus or train during an academic term.
• U-PASS replaces cash for all CTA fares - no cash is needed.
• U-PASS does not require a transfer or surcharge.
• U-PASS is valid for travel on PACE suburban buses.
• U-PASS is NOT valid for travel on Metra commuter trains.
• U-PASS is for full-time students only. The cards of students who drop to part-time status will be deactivated.
• U-PASS is also valid for CTA Paratransit Special Services (for those qualified through the RTA) until the printed expiration date.

Rules & Conditions:

• The school name/logo, student name, photo, and expiration date MUST appear on your U-PASS.  CTA reserves the right to require the student show a valid school identification card upon request.
• U-PASS is limited to exclusive use by the full-time student whose name and photo appear on the card. Any U-PASS presented by a person other than the student whose name and photo appears on it will be confiscated, and the person may be subject to arrest.
• Use of the U-PASS is subject to applicable tariffs, terms, conditions, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures CTA may in its discretion adopt from time to time.
• U-PASS may NOT be shared.
• This card can be confiscated if the bearer violates any law or CTA ordinance while on CTA property.
• If any of the conditions are violated, the pass will be confiscated for the duration of the valid dates without reimbursement and the person may be subject to arrest.

The U-PASS FAQ

What if my U-PASS is captured in fare equipment?
On the Bus: The bus operator will ask you to complete a Report of Captured Farecard and allow you to ride free.  If needed, a free transfer will be provided.  Your must bring your Report of Captured Farecard, along with your valid student ID, to CTA headquarters.  A replacement U-PASS will be issued within five business days.  If you fail to get the Report of Captured Farecard, it can take up to two weeks to replace your U-PASS.

At the Rail Station: Locate Customer Assistant and inform him/her of your problem.  The Customer Assistant will have you complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (FDR) and issue you a free transit valued at $4.00.  You must bring a copy of the FDR, along with your valid student ID, to CTA headquarters.  A replacement U-PASS will be issued within five business days.  If you fail to get the Fare Discrepancy Report (FDR), it can take up to two weeks to replace your U-PASS. 

What if my U-PASS is damaged or defective?
On the Bus: If our fare equipment will not read your U-PASS, the bus operator will let you complete your ride for free. However, you must bring your defective/damaged U-PASS, along with your valid student ID to CTA headquarters. CTA will issue a temporary Transit Card valued at $10.00 and a replacement U-PASS will be issued within five to seven business days.

At the Rail Station: Present your U-PASS to the Customer Assistant to have it inspected.  To receive a free replacement, bring your defective/damaged U-PASS, along with your valid student ID to CTA headquarters.  CTA will issue a Five-Day unlimited ride transit pass to use and a replacement U-PASS will be issued within 5-7 business days.

Chicago Transit Authority
567 West Lake Street, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60661
8:00 am – 4:30 pm

How many replacement U-PASSes am I allowed?
CTA will replace lost or stolen cards only once per academic term, unless the card is damaged or defective, (as opposed to lost or stolen).

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?
Your CTA U-PASS is accepted on CTA buses and trains as well as PACE buses.  Your CTA U-PASS will not be accepted aboard Metra train lines.

Can I share my U-PASS with my friends?
U-PASS is limited to exclusive use by the full-time student whose name and photo appear on the card. Any U-PASS presented by a person other than the student whose name and photo appears on it will be confiscated, and the person may be subject to arrest.

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.
• Reduce frustration - avoid traffic congestion.

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. You can also visit www.transitchicago.com.

Where do I pick-up my U-Pass?
In the office of Student Affairs.

Whom 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