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 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. 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.

Am I Eligible for the U-Pass?

All full-time, on-campus, degree-seeking undergraduate (12 quarter hours or more) and graduate students (6 quarter hours or more) based on the Chicago Campus may participate in the CTA U-Pass program. Part-time students and students who take classes on other campuses are NOT eligible for the U-Pass nor are they assessed the U-Pass fee.

How do I get my U-Pass?

Brand new U-Passes are distributed to eligible students at the beginning of each term. Students will be able to pick up their U-Passes at the 2nd floor Student Affairs office.

What will I need to pick up a U-Pass?

You must have a photo ID, your NLU student ID number, and a copy of your schedule verifying your full-time status to pick up a U-Pass. You can print your schedule from the online NLU Portal, but please write your name and student ID number on the printout.

I had a U-pass last term, will I get a Pre-printed pass?

If you picked up your U-Pass for the Spring term and are registered for Fall classes by August 15, we should receive a pre-printed pass. If you register later and qualify for a U-Pass, you can have a new pass made during one of the above distribution dates.

What is the charge for the U-Pass?

The U-Pass fee is $70 per quarter, or approximately 81 cents a day. There is no pro-rating of the U-Pass fee, so we recommend that you pick it up early in the quarter.

How do I pay for the U-Pass?

The $70 U-Pass fee will be billed to your student account after you pick it up. Because it may not be billed prior to Financial Aid packages being applied, you may owe the University an additional $70.

My U-Pass was lost or stolen, what do I do?

Bring your student ID, a photo ID, and $50 (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 phone once your U-Pass is available for pick up at Student Affairs (approximately 5-7 business days).  You must request a replacement pass at the CTA office, and pick it up from NLU.

My U-Pass was captured in the fare equipment or didn’t work, how do I replace it?

If your card is collected, you will be asked to complete a Fare Discrepancy Report (FDR). You will be allowed to ride free and given a copy of the FDR.

You need to take the FDR and a photo ID 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 seven-day transit pass. You will be notified by phone when your U-Pass is available for pickup from Student Affairs (approximately 5-7 business days).

If your U-Pass was captured because you put it in the money slot on a CTA bus, it will be treated as a lost or stolen card. See above for information.

Can I lend my U-Pass to someone else 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.

Where can I get directions or more information on CTA?

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.