The Moody U-Pass

The University Pass Program (U-Pass) allows undergraduate Moody students to have unlimited rides aboard the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains. The pass replaces cash for all CTA fares; no cash is needed. The U-Pass is a Moody student's pass to travel to stores, social events, sports events, art and entertainment centers, churches, and Practical Christian Ministries (PCM) throughout Chicago. Participation in the CTA U-Pass program is mandatory for all first-semester undergraduate students. All other students are automatically billed to their student account on a semesterly basis if they are taking 12 or more credits per semester and taking at least one on-campus class. Students receive unlimited rides with the U-Pass for $170.00 each fall and spring semester. The U-Pass can only be waived if a student is not a first-semester student at Moody, or if there are special circumstances. The U-Pass is not available during summer school sessions and is not accepted on the Metra, Pace, or Amtrak lines.  

U-PASS Rules and Regulations

(as outlined by the CTA)

• The U-Pass provides students taking 12 or more credits unlimited rides on any CTA bus or train during the fall and spring semesters.
• U-Passes of students who drop under 12 credits will be deactivated.
• Any U-Pass presented by a person other than the student whose name and photograph appear on it will be confiscated, and the person may be subject to arrest.
• Students should carry their student ID with them at all times when they are planning to use the CTA U-Pass.
• If you are a last semester Senior and your credit load is less than 12 to graduate, you can chose to request a U-Pass by emailing Moody Engage at 2020@moody.edu.

Opting Out of the U-Pass

Anyone is eligible to opt out of the U-Pass with the exception of first-semester undergraduate students. Please note, however, that all undergraduate students taking 12 credits or more are automatically charged for this benefit. Please fill out this form to opt out for the Fall 2025 semester. Opting out of the U-Pass must be done every semester. For Fall 2025, all opt-out requests must be completed by Sunday, September 30th at 11:59pm.

My U-Pass says, “Insufficient Funds”, what do I do?

When your U-Pass says “Insufficient Funds” when you tap it on the card reader, it means your card is locked and in a negative balance. This occurs when the user double taps their card, switches transit lines too quickly, or attempts to pay for more than one person. All of these are enough cause for the card to go into the negative. This safety feature is put in place to prevent the misuse of your card.

In order to reset your card back to the Moody Pass, you will either need to call the number on the back of the card and reload using your credit or debit card, download the Ventra app and reload the funds (visit the Game Room for assistance from the desk attendant), or go to a CTA kiosk (can be found at train stations) to reload. After resetting the balance, the card works normally and the Moody pass is activated again.

Replacement of U-Passes 

Damaged or Defective Passes: 

To replace, come to the Moody Engage office on Crowell 2 with your U-Pass and ID. After filling out this form, you will sign a Sworn Statement. The office will then order you a replacement card.

Lost/Stolen: 

Replacements for lost or stolen U-Passes cost $50.00, and the charge is added to the student’s account. Come to the Moody Engage office on Crowell 2 with your U-Pass and ID. After filling out this form, you will sign a Sworn Statement. The office will then order you a replacement card.

U-Pass FAQs:

Are U-Passes available if I am taking summer classes?

The U-Pass program is not available during the summer semester. However, your U-Pass continues to work as a regular Ventra Card between semesters and switches back to being a U-Pass when school is in session. When you use your card when school isn’t in session, regular fares and transfers are deducted.

As an incoming student, why didn't I receive a preprinted U-Pass on the first day of class?

Students should submit their U-Pass photo here before August 1st in order to receive their pass on Move-In day. Once submitted, their pass will be ordered and printed. If submitted after August 1st, students may need to wait up to two weeks after the date they submitted their photo to receive their pass.

What if my bank/credit card was charged when I used the U-Pass?

It is recommended that you take your Ventra U-Pass out of your wallet or holder when touching the Ventra reader. If you leave it in your wallet/purse and you have a debit or credit card with the tap feature, then the Ventra reader may charge your debit/credit card for a fare instead of reading your U-Pass. If you receive incorrect charges when you have an active U-Pass, please contact your bank or credit card company for their procedures on reversing incorrect CTA fares.

I don’t use my U-Pass or never picked up my U-Pass. Can I get the charges waived?

If you do not use your U-Pass and do not request to Opt-Out before September 30th at 11:59 pm , you will still be responsible to pay the $170 fee. As the fees are automatic, the student is responsible to opt-out. This is also true if you do not pick up your card from the office, and if you do not activate it.

How long do I keep my U-Pass?

Keep your U-Pass for your whole time as a Moody Student! The U-Pass portion of the card will be automatically reactivated at the beginning of any semester you are eligible and deactivated at the end of the semester.

Does my U-Pass work during Fall/Spring Break?

Your U-Pass will remain active throughout Fall/Spring Break, and any other breaks throughout the Fall/Spring semester. Your U-Pass will NOT be active during Summer/Winter Break.

When is the last day my U-Pass is active?

For each semester, the last day to use your U-Pass is the Friday of Finals Week.

Can I lend my U-Pass to friends or family?

Do not let a friend or relative (including spouses) use your U-Pass. Your card is for your use only. If this rule is violated, CTA reserves the right to confiscate the card and prohibit you from having a U-Pass for a full year, and/or press criminal charges. CTA will contact students directly on any confiscations and their procedures. For more information regarding confiscations when/if they occur, please follow the instructions listed in the official confiscation letter issued by CTA.

CTA Contact Information
Phone: 1-877-669-8368

Customer Service Center Address:
567 West Lake St. 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL
Hours: Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Directions: take either the Pink or Green line to Clinton, walk 1 block west to Lake and Jefferson, or the #56 bus. CTA is on the corner of Lake and Jefferson.