U-Pass is a program offered by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in which full-time students at participating colleges and universities receive a card granting them unlimited rides on CTA trains and buses for a flat, quarterly fee during regular term time. Students in the College receive a U-Pass activated for Autumn, Winter, and Spring Quarters so long as they remain enrolled full-time, on campus. See the chart above for the activation dates each quarter.
Summer Quarter is not included in the U-Pass activation periods and rides on Pace buses or Metra trains are not included. To cover periods of deactivation and use on Pace buses, students may consider adding funds to their card at www.ventrachicago.com, via the Ventra App, at Ventra Vending Machines, at CTA rail stations, at participating local retailers, or over the phone by calling 1-877-669-8368. U-Pass cards cannot be used for Metra rides. However, Metra tickets can be purchased and utilized through the Ventra App. Students should also consult the Transportation at UChicago webpage for other forms of transportation available on or around campus.
For more information about the CTA's U-Pass program, visit https://www.transitchicago.com/upass/.
Students in the College who are enrolled full-time, on campus, will receive a U-Pass activated for the quarter. Students not enrolled in courses (e.g., leave of absence, extended enrollment status) or studying abroad during the quarter are not eligible and will not be charged the quarterly U-Pass fee. Please note that graduate students are not eligible for the College's U-Pass program.
The U-Pass is good for unlimited rides, but only for you (i.e., no guests). Tapping more than once at the same fare box/station within a short timeframe (i.e., approximately 15 minutes) will result in charges not covered by your U-Pass.
In addition, your U-Pass is non-transferable as it carries your photo and legal name. Do not attempt to share or sell your U-Pass card. 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. Upon confiscation, a student will not be eligible for another U-Pass for up to one year.
U-Pass operates under a per diem system, in which participating institutions are charged a fixed amount per cardholder per day that the cards are active. Under UChicago's academic calendar, this comes out to approximately $106 per quarter. Additional fees for replacement cards may also apply. Fees are applied to your student account if you are a full-time student in the College during a given quarter, much like other fees are applied (e.g., Student Services Fee).
No. All College students who are enrolled in a full-time course load during Autumn, Winter, and/or Spring Quarters will be charged the U-Pass fee. This includes students who take a leave of absence or otherwise withdraw from their studies after the end of the first week of the quarter per Bursar's Office policy. Per CTA/U-Pass policy, there is no option to opt out. If you do not pick up your U-Pass, you will still be assessed the fee on your student account.
Incoming College students should pick up their U-Pass during Orientation Check-in at the beginning of Autumn Quarter. Other U-Passes for students in the College can be picked up from the College Academic Advising Office front desk located in Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.), Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Please bring your UChicago Student ID card or a government issued photo ID when picking up your U-Pass.
If your U-Pass is not working, start by confirming the following:
- Review your course schedule to confirm you're enrolled in a full-time course load (i.e., 300 minimum units for the quarter). Per CTA policy, students are only eligible for a U-Pass if enrolled full-time. If you registered for the quarter late, there may be delays to the activation of your card.
- If you are new to the College and/or you've never used your U-Pass before, double check that you've activated the card. Call the number on the back of the card to verify: 1-877-669-8368.
- Ensure that you have not incurred a negative balance on your card. This can happen if you tapped your card more than once at the same fare box/station within a short timeframe (i.e., approximately 15 minutes), tapped during a time period when your U-Pass wasn't active, or tapped on a Pace bus or Metra train, any of which are not covered by your U-Pass. Students who have incurred a negative balance will have their U-Pass privileges temporarily suspended until they pay off their balance. Students may pay off their balance (or add funds) at www.ventrachicago.com, via the Ventra App, at Ventra Vending Machines, at CTA rail stations, at participating local retailers, or over the phone by calling 1-877-669-8368.
Please note that if your U-Pass is not working you must address the concerns above or contact us as soon as possible. The University of Chicago does not issue refunds or reimbursements for CTA rides paid out of pocket.
If you are enrolled full-time, your U-Pass has been activated, and you have not incurred a negative balance, please reach out to upass@uchicago.edu for assistance. Please use your UChicago email account and provide your student ID number.
If your U-Pass is lost or stolen, contact Ventra right away to deactivate the card at 1-877-669-8368. This will prevent anyone else from using the card and accruing an unwanted balance on your account.
To request a replacement card for any reason (e.g., lost, stolen, damaged, name change), complete the Replacement Request Form as soon as possible. Please note the replacement card may take up to 10 to 14 days to arrive. Additional fees for replacement cards will ordinarily apply and UChicago does not reimburse for CTA rides paid out of pocket.
No. Your U-Pass is valid as long as you are a full-time student. Your Ventra U-Pass unlimited riding privilege automatically resumes when your next full-time term begins. Reminder: The U-Pass is not active during Summer Quarter.
You will not need to get a new Ventra card, but be aware that during any periods of deactivation, your U-Pass card will function like a normal Ventra Card. You must add funds to your account during periods of deactivation as your U-Pass will be charged regular CTA fares in full. You may add funds at www.ventrachicago.com, via the Ventra App, at Ventra Vending Machines, at CTA rail stations, at participating local retailers, or over the phone by calling 1-877-669-8368.
Your transit value will roll over. It will not be affected regardless of your student status or quarter.
Students who already own a Ventra card will also be issued a U-Pass card. The CTA U-Pass is the only fare card where the unlimited riding feature is in use. Both cards will remain active, but will have separate accounts. Fees for standard Ventra cards will not be waived for students who own/have already purchased a Ventra card prior to receiving their U-Pass.