Cleveland State ends U-Pass transit program
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Cleveland State University has discontinued its U-Pass program offering unlimited RTA rides to students, though some are fighting for its return.
Why it matters: For more than 20 years, the U-Pass gave students access to transportation on all RTA buses and trains at a highly discounted rate (about $60 per semester) included in upfront student fees.
- Without it, students will have to pay full freight ($95 per month) for RTA's unlimited pass.
State of play: Students raised concerns after a brisk notification from CSU's division of hospitality and facilities services Wednesday morning, which was obtained by Axios.
What they're saying: President Laura Bloomberg explained in a follow-up email that state regulations no longer allow CSU to charge the upfront fee as part of its billing process.
- "I am truly sorry for the stress this is causing, including the unexpected financial hardship caused by the abrupt nature of this change," Bloomberg wrote.
- "While we cannot control the state regulations that impact the student fee structure, we are working internally on options to lessen the immediate financial impact."
Between the lines: The new state budget bill disallowed "special purpose fees" being "applied uniformly to all enrolled students," CSU spokesperson Kristin Broka tells Axios.
Zoom out: RTA had been in discussions with CSU for several weeks, spokesperson Robert Fleig tells Axios, but was informed Wednesday of the university's decision to opt out of the program.
- The agreement generated $1.4 million in annual revenue for RTA.
The other side: The grassroots activist network Clevelanders for Public Transit launched a petition to restore the U-Pass shortly after students received word of its termination.
- "Eliminating this program will have a detrimental impact on students: class attendance, access to internships, campus involvement and student retention will suffer," the petition reads.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from CSU.