Fall 2024 U-Pass Details

For the Fall 2024 semester, NEIU and CTA will offer a U-Pass to all full-time students. Full-time is defined as 12 credit hours minimum for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours minimum for graduate students. All full-time students will automatically be opted in to the Fall 2024 U-Pass per the agreement between the CTA and NEIU.

Full-time students who wish to deactivate their Fall 2024 U-Pass and have the $155 fee U-Pass removed from their student account balance will need to email u-pass@neiu.edu and complete the Opt-Out Google form provided in the auto response message by 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024.

Any full-time student who does not choose to opt out by 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, will automatically be opted in and will be assessed the $155 U-Pass fee for the fall semester.

The CTA and NEIU are offering part-time students the opportunity to opt in for the U-Pass. Part-time students who are taking a minimum of 1 credit hours may have the $155 U-Pass fee added to their account balance by Student Payment Services, if they so choose.

Part-time students wanting to opt in for U-Pass need to email u-pass@neiu.edu and complete the Opt-In Google Form provided in the auto response email before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Inquiries can be directed to u-pass@neiu.edu . or call us at (773) 442-INFO (4636).

Important CTA cutoff date

If your student status changes from full-time to part-time after 45 days:

  • You will be able to continue using your U-Pass until the end of the semester
  • You will still be charged for the U-Pass

Transferring a U-Pass from another school

If transferring from another school, you can still use the same U-Pass, however, the information needs to be transferred to Northeastern. Please visit the Welcome Desk for assistance in transferring your U-Pass to Northeastern.

Expiring cards

If your U-Pass is expiring and you are enrolled full-time, a new U-Pass will be ordered for you to pick up at the Welcome Desk before the expiration date. New cards are valid for seven years and may be used as a reloadable Ventra fare card when school is not in session, or when you are enrolled below the full-time credit amount.

More Information

If you already have a Ventra U-Pass, it will automatically be reactivated as you become full-time and the semester begins (as long as your card isn't expired; it is good for seven years). Similarly, the pass is automatically deactivated if you change to part-time status or the semester ends, where it can then be used as a reloadable fare card.

If you become full-time after the semester has started and already have a Ventra U-Pass, please allow 48-72 hours from when you become full-time for your U-Pass function to be activated. Those who are full-time the business day before classes begin (or before, excluding weekends) will have full privileges on the first day of class.

One of the conveniences of Ventra is you can continue to use the same U-Pass card when school is out of session. During those periods, your U-Pass card will function just like a standard reloadable Ventra Card. In order to use it, you must add funds to your account and your U-Pass will work as a regular Ventra Card instead of receiving the U-Pass unlimited riding privileges on days school is not in session. You will be charged full fares for your rides for rail and bus during school breaks.

This practice replaces the need to use a separate fare card when school is not in session.

Your Ventra U-Pass unlimited riding privilege automatically resumes when your next full-time term begins. Please note your transit account must be in good standing (i.e. you cannot have a negative balance) prior to your next qualifying term for U-Pass privileges.

It’s easy and convenient to add money to your Ventra Card. You can add funds or load an unlimited-ride one-day, three-day, seven-day or 30-day pass with Ventra online if you have a registered transit account; at any Ventra vending machine located at CTA rail stations and at hundreds of participating retail locations. Visit the Ventra website to find a location near you. You can also add the Ventra app to your phone and have access to the information whenever you need it.

Also, please do not discard or lose your U-Pass; if you do not have the card when school resumes, there is a $50 fee to replace your U-Pass. The card is valid for seven years from the date of issuance, and you may use the card as a standard Ventra Card in between semesters or in semesters when you are enrolled part-time.

Read more information about how U-Pass functions when school is out of session.

If you require assistance you may contact us at u-pass@neiu.edu or (773) 442-INFO (4636). Additionally, you may contact Ventra Customer Service directly at ventrachicago.com or by calling (877) 669-8368.