RTA U-Pass Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who qualifies for the U-Pass?
2. How do I get a U-Pass?
3. When should I expect to receive my U-Pass?
4. Where do I put the U-Pass?
5. What if I lose my U-Pass?
6. What if I withdraw during the semester/session?
7. How do I use my new U-Pass?
8. Do I need a new U-Pass each semester/session?
9. Can I use the U-Pass for things other than school?
10. Can I petition to be exempt from the program?
11. I am a non-credit student. Do I qualify for the free U-Pass?

Who qualifies for the U-Pass?
You must be a student enrolled in one or more academic credit hours at Tri-C during the fall/spring semester or summer session. Your student account must be paid in full, have authorized financial aid to cover your full tuition, or you must have a tuition payment plan in place to cover your tuition. Tri-C employees, with the exception of work study students, and students who are enrolled in only web based classes, students who take classes that meet exclusively off Main Campus, Program 60 and CCP students do not qualify for U-Pass.

How do I get a U-Pass?
All eligible students enrolled for the fall/spring semester for the full 16-weeks must register to receive their U-Pass via U.S. Mail. U-Passes will be mailed to the address on file with the College Registrar’s Office once their enrollment is confirmed.

If you do not register by the mailing deadline, all eligible students enrolled for a fall/spring full 16-weeks, 14-week session, 8-week session or either summer session can pick up their U-Pass at any Campus Enrollment Center.

You can update your mailing address on my Tri-C space through the “Student” tab. Please check the address on file through my Tri-C space at: "Student” tab, “My Info” channel, “Update My Address/Phone”, update your information and click “Submit.”

When should I expect to receive my U-Pass?
U-Passes are scheduled to be mailed approximately two weeks prior to the start of each semester/session. If you opted in to receive your U-Pass by mail, prior to the registration deadlines, you should expect to receive it five to 10 business days prior to the beginning of the semester/session.

Where do I put the U-Pass?
The U-Pass must be placed on your My Tri-C Card in the middle of the card, or on your Stomp Card in the upper right corner. Do not cover your photo, ID number, name or magnetic stripe. Do not place the U-Pass on the back of your student ID. 

What if I lose my U-Pass?
Each student is only eligible to receive ONE U-Pass per semester/session. Lost, stolen or misplaced U-Passes are not the responsibility of the College or RTA and will not be replaced. For further clarification on this process please stop at your Campus Enrollment Center. A replacement Stomp Card can be obtained at your Campus Enrollment Center, with a cost of $10-$15.  

What if I withdraw during the semester/session?
Students who withdraw during the semester/session or change their schedule and are no longer eligible to participate in the U-Pass program must return their U-Pass to their Campus Enrollment Center within five business days of the schedule change.

How do I use my new U-Pass?
Once your U-Pass is adhered to your My Tri-C Card or Stomp Card, simply show it to the RTA operator. The U-Pass is good for all RTA transit – bus, rapid, Park-n-Ride and HealthLine – beginning on Monday of the week prior to the start of the semester/session through Friday of the week after finals. Check dates on the U-Pass for further clarification.

Do I need a new U-Pass each semester/session?
Yes, U-Pass distribution will occur before the start of each new semester/session. Check dates on the U-Pass for further clarification.

Can I use the U-Pass for things other than school?
Yes. The U-Pass allows students to make unlimited trips and transfers on RTA. It can be used 24/7 for everything from shopping in Coventry Village to going to a ball game. 

Can I petition to be exempt from the program?
The U-Pass is an opt-in/opt-out program. The selection to receive or not receive a U-Pass is made at time of registration. If you would NOT like to receive a U-Pass, please select "No."

I am a non-credit student. Do I qualify for the free U-Pass?
No, currently the program is only for credit students. The College will continue to sell five day rides and weekly passes for non-credit students. You can purchase these at any Campus Enrollment Center.

Please note: The U-Pass is intended only for the student who is registered for credit classes at Tri-C, and is only valid when properly placed upon that student’s official College ID. The U-Pass is non-transferable. Fraudulent U-Pass usage may result in disciplinary action by the College. Students who withdraw from the semester/session or change their schedule and are no longer eligible to participate in the U-Pass program must return this U-Pass to their Campus Enrollment Center with five business days of their schedule change.