Cleveland State University ends U-Pass program; Students now required to pay $95 monthly for RTA passes independently
Cleveland State University (CSU) has announced that it will no longer provide discounted RTA bus and Rapid passes as part of students' regular fees and tuition, effective summer 2025. This decision comes as a result of new state regulations that prohibit universities from charging this fee to all students as part of their billing process [1][2][3].
For at least 20 years, CSU has been part of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) U-Pass program, charging a flat student fee for all students. Under this program, students were given access to unlimited rides on RTA buses and trains for approximately $60 per semester, a significant discount compared to the $95 monthly cost for a full RTA pass without the program [3].
However, due to the new regulations, CSU President Laura Bloomberg communicated that they are unable to continue the automatic fee charge for all students, leading to the program’s abrupt termination and adjusted billing for the fall semester. The university is currently exploring new transit benefit options to help offset the financial impact on students [1][2][3].
It is worth noting that the former RTA General Manager was Joe Calabrese. RTA generated about $1.4 million a year under the U-Pass program, but it is unclear whether student fees will be reduced as part of the change [1][2][3].
In response to the change, Clevelanders for Public Transit has expressed concerns and launched a "restore the U-Pass" website. The organisation has been vocal about the financial stress the change may cause students and transit advocates [3][4].
In a new development, RTA is working with CSU to arrange for the school to be able to sell to students daily, weekly, or monthly passes at regular prices [1][2][3]. However, the specific amount regarding any potential reduction in student fees remains undisclosed.
Sources: [1] Cleveland.com [2] The Plain Dealer [3] ideastream [4] Clevelanders for Public Transit
The abrupt termination of the bus pass program at Cleveland State University (CSU) has prompted concerns from Clevelanders for Public Transit about the financial stress it may cause students and transit advocates.
In response to the program's termination, RTA is working with CSU to arrange for the school to sell daily, weekly, or monthly passes at regular prices to students, but the specific amount regarding any potential reduction in student fees remains undisclosed.
