Main links for ID Center
U-PASS
The CTA U-PASS is provided to eligible students during enrolled terms. The U-PASS provides unlimited use of CTA trains and buses. As of January 1‚ 2009‚ the U-PASS was no longer valid on PACE. A U-PASS is issued at the start of each semester‚ and expires at the end of each semester. Eligible students are encouraged to pick up their passes during each semester’s distribution period. Distribution is conducted in the Student Services Building. During this time‚ CTA personnel are on site to print U-PASSes for eligible students who were not preprinted before the semester’s start. You need to bring your valid i-card to pick up your U-Pass.
Beginning Fall 2013, the CTA Transportation Fee will increase to $140.
The U-PASS program is not optional. All eligible students are assessed the $140 CTA Transportation Fee for each of the Fall and Spring semesters. UIC also participates in the Summer U-PASS program. This fee for the summer is less than the academic year due to the condensed schedule. The Summer U-PASS is available for the entirety of both portions of the summer term.
U-PASS Distribution
Students who register for a full-time course load approximately 20-30 days before the first day of classes are likely to have their U-PASSes pre-printed.
- Wednesday - Friday, May 15 - 17, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday, May 20, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Monday, June 17, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday, June 18, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Distribution is held in Student Services Building (SSB) unless noted otherwise.
The UIC CTA U-PASS is always valid the Wednesday prior to classes starting through the Wednesday following finals week.
U-PASSes are preprinted for distribution based on full time status 20-30 days prior to classes starting. Students who are not preprinted and do not attend the distribution will need to have a late issuance order placed with the CTA. This can take upwards of two weeks. The ID Center is not responsible for the timeliness of delivery of the U-PASS for those students who choose not to visit the distribution. Visit the ID Center after distribution to place the order. To assure that you utilize your U-PASS throughout the entirety of its valid period‚ make sure to visit distribution.
Summer-specific U-PASS Notes
- Your status as a full-time student is based on the aggregate credit hours registered for the entirety of summer. See Eligibility for specific credit hour requirements.
- All full-time students are eligible for the U-PASS for the entirety of the Summer Session. Whether or not your course meets in the 4-week session‚ 8-week session‚ or both makes no difference.
- All full-time students are assessed the CTA Transportation fee. There is no means to waive this fee. This includes regular UIC students‚ and those taking courses at UIC for the summer or as part of many continuing education programs.
- Students must be registered as full-time students prior to picking up their U-PASS. Intent to register for either session will not be acceptable. Students may be asked to verify their schedule.
Distribution Policies
- Your valid i-card is required to pick up your U-PASS.
- You may not pick up another student’s U-PASS.
- You must currently be registered as a full-time student.
- Depending on when you registered‚ you may be asked to login to the Student Self Service system to provide proof of status.
Paratransit Service for Eligible Students
Students who are unable to use fixed route public transportation due to a disability, may be
eligible for the Paratransit Service, a shared ride program offered by the Regional Transit
Authority (RTA).
The U-Pass program at UIC is available to eligible students who are Paratransit riders; however,
students must be certified by the RTA in order to use the service. Students may be asked for
the certification letter from RTA as proof of their certification to use Paratransit Service. Since
the CTA’s U-PASS is not valid for travel on Paratransit, the ID Center and Disability Resource
Center will consult with the student to provide an adequate number of PACE ADA One Ride
Tickets.
An overview of the ADA Paratransit Service offered by the RTA and the application process can
be found at www.rtachicago.com/accessibility/ada-paratransit-service-guidelines.html. Students
should allow ample time for certification, as it may take up to a month to complete the process.
For additional details, please contact the ID Center (312-413-5940) or the Disability Resource
Center (312-413-2183).
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CTA U-PASS
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