CSCU, CTDOT & UConn Partner to Offer Discounted Unlimited Transportation Pass for Students
For the first time, students with a valid school ID can ride all local CT buses, Metro North and CTFastrak for a $20 fee per semester that is included in their tuition.
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian, Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Commissioner James Redeker today, joined by UConn Transportation Planner Tanya Husick and officials, faculty and students from the CSCU system, highlighted the launch of U-Pass CT. The U-Pass CT program provides full-time and part-time students with a discounted unlimited transportation pass for public buses and trains within Connecticut. For the first time, students with a valid school ID can ride all local CT buses, Metro North and CTFastrak for a $20 fee per semester that is included in their tuition. This special rate is for students only; average cost of a bus pass is $63 per month. Students can get their U-Pass directly from their college or university.
“Cost and transportation are top on the list of concerns for our students,” said CSCU President Ojakian. “These are real issues and we’re trying to address them in a variety of ways. We’re thankful for this partnership with CT DOT and hope that all students who are eligible take advantage of this opportunity.”
Engineering Science Major at Gateway Community College Benjamin Nngo said “I am saving a lot of money because it used to cost $41 for the card every month. Paying $20 for the semester is a relief on my student budget.”
Gateway Liberal Arts & Sciences major and Hamden resident Andrea Lewis added: “U-Pass has helped greatly because it is low in cost and lasts for a complete semester. Before I would have to buy a pass each month. I am thankful that CSCU is making college life easier.”
“The U-Pass will make it easier than ever to be a college student in Connecticut without needing a car,” said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “With up to 87,000 students at the 15 participating college and university campuses eligible for the U-Pass, this statewide program will introduce college students to the benefits of transit and let them take advantage of the services we offer through the state’s bus and rail operations.”
UConn students should contact Transportation Services at www.upass.uconn.edu and CSCU students should contact their Bursar’s Office to obtain a pass. CSCU made 65,000 passes available at the 11 participating schools at the start of the semester. For details on eligibility: http://www.ctrides.com/u-pass
Participating schools are Asnuntuck Community College, Capital Community College, Gateway Community College, Housatonic Community College, Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College, Norwalk Community College, Three Rivers Community College, Tunxis Community College, Central CT State University and Southern CT State University, UConn (Storrs, Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury campuses)
Transit systems participating in the U-Pass program include: CTtransit statewide (including CTtransit Express and CTfastrak), Greater Bridgeport Transit, Norwalk Transit, Housatonic Area Regional Transit, Milford Transit, South East Area Transit, Windham Region Transit District, Magic Carpet, Northwestern CT Transit District, 9 Town Transit, Middletown Area Transit. The program also includes travel on Shore Line East and the New Haven Line operated by Metro-North for service up to the state line – not valid for travel to NY.