Ibrahim Gardner
Metra offers reduced fare rates for seniors, customers with disabilities, low-income riders, military personnel, families, students, and children. Full-time students enrolled in grade school or high school are eligible for Metra's reduced fare rates for tickets and passes. College students, however, are not included in this program. There is a petition for a reduced fare cost for qualifying students who are taking classes full time at a university within the Chicago metropolitan area. The University of Illinois Chicago has also launched a pilot program, U-PASS+, which offers reduced Metra fares to its students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Discount for university students | No |
| Discount for high school students | Yes |
| Discount for part-time students | No |
| Discount for full-time students | Yes |
| Discount for students with International Student Identity Card | No |
| Discount for home-schooled students | Yes |
| Discount for children | Yes |
| Discount for senior citizens | Yes |
| Discount for customers with disabilities | Yes |
| Discount for Medicare cardholders | Yes |
| Discount for military personnel | Yes |
| Discount for low-income riders | Yes |
| Discount for families | Yes |
| Discount for UIC students | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
University of Illinois Chicago students can get a discount with U-PASS+
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a U-PASS program to its students, which provides unlimited rides on Chicago Transit Authority CTA trains and buses. This program is optional and available to eligible students during their enrolled terms. The U-PASS fee for each of the Fall and Spring semesters is $163, while the Summer U-PASS fee is $125.
Starting in Fall 2025, UIC will introduce the U-PASS+, which will include the same benefits as the U-PASS, with the added advantage of unlimited rides on all Metra trains (excluding the Southshore line). The U-PASS+ will function as a digital fare card within the Ventra app, which must be shown to the conductor for validation.
To be eligible for the U-PASS or U-PASS+, students must be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours at UIC and have full-time status. Students must also have a valid i-card to pick up their U-PASS and be opted-in for the current semester.
It is worth noting that some University of Illinois Chicago students have expressed frustration over the lack of a discount for college students on the Metra monthly pass, especially when compared to the 50% discount offered to high school students.
While the U-PASS+ does not explicitly mention a discount, it does offer University of Illinois Chicago students the ability to access Metra trains at a potentially reduced rate, depending on usage.
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International students may not be eligible for the discount
Metra offers reduced fare rates for seniors, customers with disabilities, low-income riders, military personnel, families, students and children. Full-time students enrolled in grade school or high school are eligible for Metra's reduced fare rates for tickets and passes as part of a state-supported program. However, college students are not included in this program. Students must present a valid letter of certification from their school or a valid school ID when using a reduced fare ticket.
While some university students may be eligible for reduced Metra fares through programs like U-PASS+, international students may not be eligible for the same discounts. This is because Metra is a suburban train system serving the Chicago metropolitan area, and its discounts are aimed at local school students.
For example, a user on TripAdvisor stated that they would not think that Metra would accept an international student card as it is subsidized travel for local school kids. Additionally, a user on Reddit expressed frustration that high school students get a 50% discount on the Metra monthly pass, while university students do not. This suggests that the discounts are specifically intended for local students, rather than international students studying abroad.
Furthermore, the eligibility criteria for the reduced fare rates on Metra do not mention international students or provide any information about accepting international student IDs. Therefore, it is likely that international students are not eligible for the discount. However, it is always best to contact Metra directly to confirm their policies and determine if there are any exceptions or additional requirements for international students.
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College students are not included in the program
Metra is a suburban train system that connects Chicago with the surrounding suburbs. It offers a range of fare options, including monthly passes and reduced fare rates for certain groups. While Metra does offer discounted fares for students, these discounts are currently only available to full-time students enrolled in grade school or high school. College students are not included in this program and must pay the full fare price.
The exclusion of college students from the reduced fare program has been a source of frustration for many university students in Chicago, especially those who rely on Metra for their daily commute. Some students have taken to online forums and platforms to express their dissatisfaction with the current situation, arguing that they should be entitled to the same discounts as high school students.
One possible explanation for the exclusion of college students from the reduced fare program could be the existence of alternative discounted fare programs specifically tailored for college and university students. For example, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has recently launched a pilot program called U-PASS+, which offers reduced Metra fares to its students. This program integrates with the existing CTA U-PASS program, providing UIC students with unlimited rides across any line and greater access to the Chicagoland area.
While the U-PASS+ program is a step in the right direction, it is still limited to students of a specific university. College students from other institutions in Chicago continue to advocate for more inclusive discounted fare options. Some have even started petitions, such as the "METRA DISCOUNT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS" petition on Change.org, to bring attention to this issue and push for change.
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Students must present a valid school ID
Metra offers discounted fares for students. However, these student discounts are only available for full-time students enrolled in grade school or high school. College students are not eligible for the discounted fares. When purchasing a reduced fare ticket, students must present a valid letter of certification from their school on official school stationery or a valid school ID. These reduced fares are applicable at all times.
To clarify, university students do not qualify for Metra's student discount program. This has been a source of frustration for many university students, as evident in various online forums and petitions. Some university students have expressed their disappointment over the lack of affordable public transportation options for commuters. It is important to note that while university students may not receive discounted fares, they are still required to provide valid identification when purchasing or using a regular fare ticket.
The validity of a school ID is crucial for students to access the discounted fares offered by Metra. The ID serves as proof of a student's enrollment in an accredited grade school or high school. It is essential for students to always carry their valid school ID when travelling on Metra trains to avoid any inconvenience or delay in their commute. By presenting their school ID, students can not only obtain reduced fares but also ensure a smoother travel experience.
The specific requirements for a valid school ID may vary depending on local regulations and Metra's policies. Typically, a valid school ID should include the student's name, photograph, and current academic year or date of issuance. It should be issued by the student's school or educational institution. In some cases, additional documentation, such as a letter of certification from the school, may also be required. It is recommended that students check the official Metra website or contact their customer service representatives for detailed information on the accepted forms of identification.
While university students are not eligible for the student discount, it is worth noting that Metra offers reduced fares for other categories, including senior citizens, customers with disabilities, low-income riders, military personnel, and families. These reduced fares aim to provide accessible and affordable transportation options for individuals who meet specific criteria. University students who are experiencing financial difficulties or have special circumstances may explore other discount programs offered by Metra or seek alternative transportation options that better suit their economic situation.
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Students can get unlimited rides with the CTA U-PASS
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers a U-Pass program, in which full-time students at participating institutions can obtain a card that grants them unlimited rides on CTA trains and buses for a flat, quarterly fee. This fee is included in the student's tuition. The U-Pass is not valid during the summer quarter or on Pace and
The University of Chicago, for example, provides U-Pass cards to its full-time college students. Graduate students are not eligible to receive the CTA U-Pass. The U-Pass provides unlimited travel on CTA's bus and rail system during regular term time. Students with a negative balance will have their U-Pass unlimited riding privileges temporarily suspended until they pay off their balance.
The U-Pass operates under a per diem system, where participating institutions are charged a fixed amount per cardholder per day that the card is active. At the University of Chicago, this comes out to approximately $106 per quarter.
It is important to note that the U-Pass is not valid on Metra trains, which offer separate student discounts. Metra offers reduced fares for students, but these discounts are only available for full-time students enrolled in grade school or high school. College students are not included in this program.
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Frequently asked questions
No, college students are not eligible for Metra's reduced fare rates. Only full-time students enrolled in grade school or high school are eligible.
Yes, the University of Illinois Chicago has launched a pilot program called U-PASS+ which offers reduced Metra fares to UIC students.
Metra offers reduced fares for seniors, customers with disabilities, low-income riders, military personnel, families, students (K-12), and children.
