U-Pass

Cleveland State is pleased to support the popular U-Pass program. U-Pass allows all main campus students to ride free of charge on all Greater Cleveland RTA buses and rapid trains during each academic semester. The program was initiated in the Spring of 2003, supported by a vote of the student body, renewed in Spring 2005, and again in Spring 2009. The Office of Treasury Services administers the U-Pass program according to the policies passed by student referendum.

Effective with the Spring 2009 vote, the U-Pass program is now available year round!

• For Fall, Spring & Summer Semesters, all students enrolled in at least 1 credit hour on the Main Campus are eligible to participate in the U-Pass program.

The following students are not eligible to participate in the U-Pass program: students who take classes at only the West campus, students enrolled in only web based classes, Project 60 students, and PSEOP students.

Availability

U-Pass stickers are available to any student whose account is paid in full or has enrolled in a Budget Payment Plan.
Stickers will be available at the Cashier's Office beginning on:

• Friday August 12, 2011 for the Fall 2011 semester
• Friday January 6, 2012 for the Spring 2012 semester
• Friday May 11, 2012 for the Summer 2012 semester

Eligibility

• You must be a student enrolled in one or more academic credit hours on the main campus.
• Present your valid CSU Viking Card to a Treasury Services staff member at the Cashier's Office (Main Classroom, room 115).
• Your student account should be paid in full or you should be enrolled in a Budget Payment Plan.
• After validation, a U-Pass sticker will be affixed to your Viking Card ID.

Policies and Regulations

• A $25 U-Pass fee is automatically added to each student’s account to support the U-Pass program. This fee is assessed each semester.
• Students must get a new U-Pass sticker every semester.
• A replacement U-Pass sticker can be obtained at the Cashier’s Office for a fee of $35 throughout the semester. This does not cover the cost of a new Viking Card ID. Replacement of the Viking Card is an additional $20.00.
• If you drop all your classes, you must return your Viking Card to the Cashier’s office to have your U-Pass sticker removed within 5 business days of dropping your classes. Students are charged a $425.00 fee if the U-Pass sticker is not returned with 5 business days after all classes are dropped. This fee represents the market value of a monthly bus pass ($85) if purchased directly from the RTA.
• The cost of the U-Pass cannot be used to offset your parking hangtag.
• The U-Pass program generates no revenue for the University, as a result, University personnel do not have the authority to waive the fee or make special exceptions.

Benefits to Students

• The cost of a U-Pass has remained constant for the past four years. The program has been renewed through 2013 and the negotiated cost will be held at $25.
• All CSU students share the benefits of the U-Pass program - a lessened demand for on-campus parking as students choose to take public transportation and a cost savings for those students who directly participate in the U-Pass ridership program.
• All students taking “for credit” courses on the main campus are eligible to utilize the U-Pass program. You can use RTA transit to travel on all routes anytime throughout Cuyahoga County, including downtown, to the airport, to a ball game, etc. Your utilization of the U-Pass program is not limited to only University related activities.

Commuter Advantage for Faculty and Staff

This program allows eligible Faculty and Staff to purchase RTA monthly bus passes via payroll deduction. The payroll deduction option means that the expense for the pass will be paid with pre-tax dollars and can provide employees with a tax benefit of up to $200 per year. You also have the convenience the automatic payment for the pass.

Sign up for Commuter Advantage. Click here for more information about the RTA Commuter Advantage program.