What’s a U-Pass? The freshman guide to the CTA

Students, there’s really only one thing you need to know about public transportation, and it’s the U-Pass.  Treat it like your baby.  Don’t lose it.

U-Pass is a cooperative program between local colleges and universities and the CTA.  If you attend a participating school, the cost of your U-Pass is embedded in your tuition, but you’re saving a ton of money.

U-Pass basically gives you unlimited use of CTA rail and buses.  Unfortunately U-Pass is not accepted on Metra trains or Pace buses, but these routes are generally suburban.

A few things to be careful of: don’t share the card, don’t put it in the cash slot on buses, and don’t try to use it at the same station in succession.  The CTA is strict about U-Passes that need to be replaced if lost or stolen.  It’s a long process and it costs an extra $50.  For a full list of participating schools as well as the rules and conditions of the U-Pass program, visit the CTA website.

CTA train map

Detailed CTA fare information