In a move welcomed by the student body, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has launched a pilot program, in collaboration with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra, to alleviate the burden of travel costs for students. The program introduces a new combined CTA-Metra U-Pass, which has seen enrollment from 4,100 UIC students this semester. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, students can now purchase this pass for $349, granting them unlimited Metra suburban train service alongside the existing CTA offerings.
The price point represents a significant leap from the $163 CTA-only U-Pass fee, however, it's still pegged as a discount considering that a stand-alone Metra monthly pass can cost up to $135. Metra's chief executive, Jim Derwinski, suggested in an announcement that this initiative could create lifelong Metra patrons from the ranks of the university's alumni. Notably, 85% of UIC's students are commuters, which illustrates the potential impact such a program could have on daily life at the university.
In a parallel report, the Daily Herald highlighted that Metra Director Melinda Bush sees the importance of accessibility to public transportation for students, especially when financial constraints are considered. "We want students to ride. They're our future customers and it's really helping to build that pipeline for public transportation. It just makes sense," Bush remarked. This sentiment is echoed by the anticipation that the program – if successful – might extend to other academic institutions in the region.
Furthering the initiative's reach, students have the flexibility to opt out of the U-Pass, stick with the CTA-only option, or go for the new CTA-Metra U-Pass. Yet, the success of the program rides on its usage and financial sustainability. Aaron Maertins, director of operations and project management for Metra, indicated to the Daily Herald, that they will be "able to see where people are coming from, where they're going, and how frequently they travel."
As the pilot continues through the summer semester of next year, considerations will include how much revenue the program generates, alongside increased ridership during off-peak hours and the fostering of lifelong transit usage among today's students. P.S. Sriraj, director of UIC's Urban Transportation Center, told the Daily Herald: "I think this is one of best things we could ever do for our community of young people." Nevertheless, Sriraj acknowledged the financial realities, noting that the CTA loses money rather than making them on the U-pass.
Moving forward, UIC students who choose the new pass will be paying $261.25 for 95 days, with medical students paying slightly more over a longer period. All payments will be integrated into the university fees, and as with the existing CTA services, will require the use of the Ventra app for Metra trips, the Daily Herald details.
