Aug 6, 2025 - Transit

CSU and RTA working to revive U-Pass program

Sam Allard

An RTA bus station with image of Stephanie Tubbs-Jones on it. — The Stephanie Tubbs-Jones Transit Center at CSU. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios

A week after Cleveland State University announced it was discontinuing its discount transit program for students, a revived version is in the works.

Why it matters: For more than 20 years, CSU's "U-Pass" gave students access to unlimited transportation on all RTA buses and trains at a highly discounted rate (about $60 per semester), included in upfront student fees.

Yes, but: Ohio's new state budget bill disallowed special purpose fees "applied uniformly to all enrolled students," CSU spokesperson Kristin Broka told Axios last week.

The latest: In an email to the campus community Tuesday, CSU president Laura Bloomberg said CSU and RTA are working to finalize a new agreement whereby students opt in to the program.

Those who don't opt in won't be assessed the fee.

By the numbers: Details are still being ironed out, a CSU spokesperson tells Axios, but Bloomberg said in her email that the new cost of the U-Pass would still be lower than a standard RTA pass ($95 per month).

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CSU and RTA working to revive U-Pass program

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