FAQ
U-Pass
Who is participating in the U-Pass program?
Where can I go with my U-Pass?
What if my U-Pass is lost or stolen?
What if my U-Pass is captured in CTA fare equipment?
What if my U-Pass is damaged or defective?
How often can I use my U-Pass per day?
Can I share my U-Pass with my friends?
I drive--does the U-Pass have any benefits for me?
Where can I call for directions?
Who can I contact if I have a question about my U-Pass?
Can I use my U-Pass on Pace buses or Metra Commuter trains?
What if my U-Pass becomes deactivated ("hotlisted")?
How can my school participate in the U-Pass program?
U-Pass
Q:
Who is participating in the U-Pass program?
A:
See the main
U-Pass page for a full list of participating institutions.
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Q:
Where can I go with my U-Pass?
A:
Anywhere the CTA's buses and trains go! Check out our Top Transit Trips Section!
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Q:
What if my U-Pass is lost or stolen?
A:
- Bring a completed replacement form, valid school ID and $50.00 (cash, credit or money order) non-refundable replacement fee to the CTA Customer Service Center (at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- CTA will replace lost or stolen passes only once per academic term.
- If U-Pass is put into the cash slot on a bus, it is treated as lost/stolen and you'll need to pay $50.00 for a replacement.
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Q:
What if my U-Pass is captured in CTA fare equipment?
A:
On CTA buses
The card will be collected. You will be asked to complete a Report of Captured Farecard (form 3027). You will be allowed to ride free and given a copy of the report.
Bring your copy of the Report of Captured Farecard (form 3027), a completed replacement form, your student ID and the filled out U-Pass Card replacement Form to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street 2nd FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM, to request a replacement U-Pass. The replacement U-Pass will be sent to your school in 5-7 business days.
If U-Pass is put into the cash bill slot on a bus, it is treated as lost/stolen and you'll need to pay $50.00 for a replacement. You will not be issued any temporary fare.
At CTA train stations
The card will be collected. See the CTA Customer Assistant and you will be asked to complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (Form 3024), and you'll be issued a $5.00 transit card and a copy of the report.
Bring the Fare Discrepancy Report (Form 3024), a completed replacement form and your student ID to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street 2nd FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM, to request a replacement U-Pass. When you present the form to the customer service agent, you will be issued an unlimited 5-day transit pass. The replacement U-Pass will be sent to your school in 5-7 business days.
If a Customer Assistant is not at the train station, please get the turnstile # that your U-Pass was captured in and call the U-Pass Department at 1-312-681-4123 to report the captured card.
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Q:
What if my U-Pass is damaged or defective?
A:
Bring the damaged card, a completed
replacement form and your student ID to CTA's Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street 2nd FL, Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM, to request a replacement U-Pass. Your damaged card will be collected and you will be issued an unlimited-ride 7-day pass.
The replacement U-Pass will be sent to your school in 5-7 business days.
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Q:
How often can I use my U-Pass per day?
A:
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.
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Q:
Can I share my U-Pass with my friends?
A:
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.
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Q:
I drive--does the U-Pass have any benefits for me?
A:
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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Q:
Where can I call for directions?
A:
Get travel information and directions by calling the RTA Travel Center at (312) 836-7000 (TTY: 312-836-4949). Operators are available daily from 5:00 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.
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Q:
Who can I contact if I have a question about my U-Pass?
A:
E-mail us at
cta-upass@transitchicago.com or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA.
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Q:
Can I use my U-Pass on Pace buses or Metra Commuter trains?
A:
No, neither Metra nor Pace accepts the CTA U-Pass. Your pass is accepted on CTA buses and trains only.
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Q:
What if my U-Pass becomes deactivated ("hotlisted")?
A:
Hotlisted passes will be confiscated. Please go to your school’s Student Affairs Office to ascertain problem. After your school has notified us, you can go to the CTA Customer Service Center (at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.), with your student ID and $50.00 to request a replacement card.
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Q:
How can my school participate in the U-Pass program?
A:
College/Universities offering U-Pass must be degree-granting, post-secondary institutions and certified by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. School must enter into a contract with the CTA.
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