City Colleges of Chicago is offering a discounted Ventra U-Pass for students enrolled in six (6) or more credit hours for college credit during the Spring 2025 semester. This optional benefit offers unlimited rides on any CTA bus or train during the semester.
Any student taking six (6) or more credit hours can opt in for a one-time, nonrefundable fee of $70 for the semester. The U-Pass will be deactivated if a student’s class schedule falls below six (6) credit hours.
Opt-In Process
Students who would like to opt in to receive a U-Pass should log in to their student portal at my.ccc.edu and fill out the U-Pass form under "Announcements." Then, they can choose how they would like to pay the $70 fee. Students may pay with cash or credit card, use available financial aid, or request financial assistance. Payment must be secured to complete the opt-in process.
Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to opt in: How to Opt In to the U-Pass Program
Returning Students (Enrolled in six (6) or more credit hours)
If you already have a Ventra U-Pass card and you meet the criteria below, the U-Pass function on your card will automatically activate the day after you pay the fee. If you have not started classes yet, your U-Pass will reactivate on your first day of class (assuming you have already paid the fee). Your U-Pass Card is valid for at least five years, and you do not need to obtain a new pass every semester.
- Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) credit hours
- Do not have a negative balance on your Ventra transit account
- Have paid the non-refundable $70 fee or requested financial assistance
New Students (Enrolled in six (6) or more credit hours)
If you are a new student to the Ventra U-Pass program for Spring 2025, you must opt in at
my.ccc.edu. After you opt in, you will receive an email to your City Colleges student email account requesting verification of your identity. Once we have received the requested documents, an order will be placed for your U-Pass. You will receive an email to your City Colleges student email account when your card is available for pick-up. Please note it will take a maximum of seven (7) business days for your card to be mailed to campus (cards are not mailed to a student’s home address).
For more information, please contact Remona Gavin at rgavin@ccc.edu or (773) 602-5081, or contact Kennedy-King College’s Business Office at (773) 602-5064.
Using Your U-Pass Between Semesters
While your U-Pass allows you to take free CTA rides during the semester, you will need to add funds to your Ventra account in order to use it when classes are not in session (or if you do not need the credit hour requirement).
How to add funds to your Ventra account:
U‐Pass is limited to exclusive use by the original full‐time student card owner. Your U‐Pass may not be shared. If any conditions are violated, the pass will be confiscated for up to one academic year without reimbursement, and you will need to pay $50 in order to receive a replacement card.
Please note that U‐Pass privileges are not valid on Pace buses or Metra trains. You must pay a full fare to ride Pace and Metra.
Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Cards
If your pass is lost or stolen, you may request a new card through the Business Office at your home college. You must present your City Colleges ID and pay a $50 non-refundable replacement fee. If you have further questions, email the CTA at
cta-upass@transitchicago.com, call 1-888-YOUR-CTA, or visit the
CTA U-Pass website.
For more information, contact your college’s Business Office or visit the
CTA website.
