CTA U-Pass Program-Frequently Asked Questions
National-Louis University
Fall 2008
For more information, contact Student Life at studentlife@nl.edu or 312 261-3568.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the U-Pass?
All full-time, traditional, on-campus, degree-seeking undergraduate (12 quarter hours or more) and graduate students (6 quarter hours or more) based on the Chicago Campus (with at least half of their credit hours on-campus in Chicago) will participate in the CTA U-Pass program. All Full-Time students in the Chicago Teaching Fellows and the Bachelor of Arts in Human Services program are also eligible for the U-Pass. Part-time students and students in any other field, cohort, or cluster programs are NOT eligible for the U-Pass nor are they assessed the U-Pass fee. If you are uncertain of your status, please contact Student Life at studentlife@nl.edu or 312-261-3568.
I don’t attend the Chicago campus, am I eligible for the U-Pass?
No, only students who meet all of the criteria, including registration with Chicago as a home campus, are eligible for the U-Pass.
I meet all of the eligibility criteria, however, I don’t want the U-Pass, do I still have to pay for it?
Yes, your student account WILL be assessed the U-Pass fee, regardless of whether you pick it up. All of the colleges and universities in the Chicago land area who participate in the program are assessed a fee for all eligible students. The U-Pass provides convenient ways to travel the city for various activities.It's your connection to shopping, sports events, social activities, art and entertainment centers, and all the Chicago hot spots.
General Information
What is the U-Pass?
The U-Pass provides low cost transportation to students in the Chicago metropolitan area by providing unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains. The U-Pass may also be used on the PACE system. For more information, go to www.transitchicago.com. NLU will participate in the program for the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. No students will be issued for the Summer Term.
When can I use the U-Pass?
For the Fall term, the U-Pass will be active from September 15th –December 12th, 2008(24 hours a day/7 days a week).
Where can I get directions or more information on CTA routes?
Get travel information and directions online at http://www.transitchicago.com or 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.
Distribution
How do I obtain the U-Pass?
Brand new U-Passes are distributed to eligible students at the beginning of each term. For the Fall 2008 term, U-Passes will be distributed on the following dates and times. During distribution, students will be able to pick up their U-Pass immediately.
Monday, September 15th, Noon-6:00pm
Tuesday, September 16th, Noon-6:00pm
Wednesday, September 17th, Noon-6:00pm
*You will need to show a photo ID to pick up your U-Pass*
Pre-print Process
What are pre-printed U-Passes?
Pre-printed U-Passes are given to students who participated in the U-Pass program in the previous term and qualify for the Fall term as well. All students who have pre-printed U-Pass have been notified by email and U.S. mail. If you have not received notification, you do not have a pre-printed U-Pass and will need to come for Regular Distribution.
Late Issuance
What is Late Issuance?
We provide many opportunities for you to pick up your U-Pass for the term. However, not all students are able to make the distribution dates. Therefore, we provide an alternative service for students to pick up their U-Passes. However, this process takes an additional 5-7 days for you to acquire your U-Pass.
I am not able to pick my U-Pass during the available times, what should I do?
Bring a photo ID to the Student Life office to request your U-Pass. You will be required to take a picture for the U-Pass. Your U-Pass should be ready for pick-up in 5-7 business days. You will be notified by e-mail when your U-Pass is ready.
Lost/Stolen U-Pass
What should I do?
Bring your student ID, a photo ID, and $35 (cash, credit, or money order) to the CTA Central Offices, 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd floor. Only one replacement pass will be provided per academic school year. You will be notified by e-mail once your U-Pass is available for pick up at Student Life (approximately 5-7 business days).
Captured/Damaged U-Pass
My U-Pass was captured in the fare equipment, how do I replace it?
On CTA Bus, if your card is collected, you will be asked to complete a Report of Captured Fare card. You will be allowed to ride free and given a pink copy of the report for your record.
At CTA Rail Stations, if your card is collected, you will be asked to complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (FDR). You will be given $4.50 transit card and a copy of the FDR for you records.
You will be instructed to go to CTA’s customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd floor to request a replacement U-Pass for NO CHARGE.
When you present the form to the customer service agent, you will be provided an unlimited five-day transit pass.
You will be notified by email when your U-Pass is available for pickup from Student Life (approximately 5-7 business days).
My CTA U-Pass is damaged or defective, how do I replace it?
On CTA Bus, if your card is collected, you will be asked to complete a Report of Captured Fare card. You will be allowed to ride free and given a pink copy of the report for your record.
At CTA Rail Stations, if your card is collected, you will be asked to complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (FDR). You will be given $4.50 transit card and a copy of the FDR for you records.
You will be instructed to go to CTA’s customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street, 2nd floor to request a replacement U-Pass for NO CHARGE.
When you present the form to the customer service agent, you will be provided an unlimited five-day transit pass.
You will be notified by email when your U-Pass is available for pickup from Student Life (approximately 5-7 business days).
Misuse
I am not planning to use my U-Pass; may I lend it to a friend or sell it?
No, the CTA U-Pass is personalized with your photo and a special CTA ID number. The U-Pass is not transferable and will be confiscated by the CTA if it is misused. CTA maintains the right to inspect your U-Pass and or ask for another form of identification. The University also reserves the right to bring charges against the student for violation of the Standards of Conduct detailed in the Student Guidebook.
