U-PASS+

Announcing U-PASS+

UIC is happy to introduce U-PASS+, which expands the utility of the U-PASS (currently CTA only) program to include the option of unlimited Metra Rail service (except the Southshore line).

U-PASS+ is a pilot project that UIC and Metra have agreed to operate Fall 2024 through Summer 2025 semesters. After the pilot is completed, UIC and Metra will evaluate the benefit to the students and the ability of Metra to continue to offer the same service in the future.

Starting with the Fall 2024 U-PASS enrollment period (7/18/2024), students will have the option of setting their OPT-status; they will have the option of selecting U-PASS (CTA only), U-PASS+ (CTA + Metra), or OPT-OUT.

The deadline to OPT-OUT for the Spring 2025 U-PASS is February 2 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

After February 2, the OPT-status cannot change to OPT-OUT for the duration of the Spring session. No exceptions can be made for missing the OPT- deadline. While you cannot OPT-OUT, you could still OPT-IN.

Students who OPT-IN after the OPT-OUT deadline would not be able to OPT-OUT.

The deadline to OPT-IN for the Spring 2025 U-PASS is February 13 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

After February 13, the ability to OPT-IN expires.

SET OPT-STATUS

When selecting the U-PASS+ option, students will be asked to: 

  • provide their Ventra Account Login ID,
  • select their typical Metra train line,
  • select their typical departure station, and
  • select their typical arrival station

This information shall be shared with Metra to ensure quality of service.

Please Note:

  • After enrollment and activation of the benefit onto the Ventra Account Login ID provided, students will be able to utilize Metra services through the Ventra app. There is no physical card for Metra (U-PASS+), however there will still be a physical card for the general CTA use (U-PASS).
  • As is the case with the U-PASS, U-PASS+ OPT-status will reset to OPT-OUT at the start of the Fall semester, and the OPT-status will carry-over to the Spring, and Summer semester (if eligible). Students should monitor and maintain their OPT-status prior to the start of each semester to ensure it is set as desired.
  • Eligible students who have an OPT-status of OPT-IN for U-PASS and U-PASS+ will be charged the corresponding fee for those services/resources.

Fee Structure for Eligible Students:

Fall/Spring:

U-PASS (CTA) – $163/semester

U-PASS+ (CTA + Metra) – $349/semester

Summer:

U-PASS (CTA) – $125/summer

U-PASS+ (CTA + Metra) – $275/summer

(Cost is slightly more for College of Medicine which has a longer U-PASS activation timeline.)

The U-PASS+ program is collaboration of the UIC ID Center, UIC Office of the Student Trustee, UIC Undergraduate Student Government, CTA, and Metra Rail.

If there are questions or concerns, please reach out to idcenter@uic.edu