Traveling the City Safely

The city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs have a comprehensive public transportation system which allows one to travel just about anywhere, any time. Customer safety and security is public transportation’s No. 1 priority. So you can help yourself and others stay safe while traveling, we encourage you to review the Chicago Transit Authority's safety website for information.

Bike

Wabash Bike Room

A Bike Room—which provides indoor bicycle parking and storage—was included in the design and construction of the Wabash Building, which officially opened its doors in fall of 2012. In the past, this secure storage facility has allowed for 67 users, using a system of assigned spots. In the spring of 2016 however, in an effort to increase use, assigned spots were eliminated and the room capacity was increased to 75 users. Additionally, a stronger Bike Room Usage Policy was created, a bike pump was installed, and RU bike stickers are now given to users to place on their bikes.

This amenity is free to all RU students, faculty, and staff. However, space is limited. To register for the room, fill out the online form (if space allows) and read through the Bike Room Usage Policy. Once submitted, you must visit Physical Resources in Wabash B16 to pick up your bike sticker.

Note that shower facilities are available on the 5th floor of the Wabash Building.

Please email greencampus@roosevelt.edu with any questions.

DIVVY

In spring of 2014, Roosevelt University started offering discounted DIVVY memberships to the RU Community. DIVVY is a bike share program that began in Chicago through the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). It makes bike riding in Chicago easy, fun, and affordable.

For details, please see the Divvy website.

Car

You can find parking information here.

CTA U-Pass

Roosevelt University has contracted with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to provide affordable public transportation to all degree seeking students (including part-time) at the Chicago Campus through the CTA U-Pass program. All eligible students will be charged a mandatory, non-refundable fee of $123.00 in each fall and spring semester. The U-Pass fee cannot be waived for full-time Chicago campus students.

  • U-Pass offers unlimited rides on any CTA bus or train during the Fall and Spring semesters beginning five days before classes start and extending until five days after finals end. It is not offered during the Summer.
  • U-Pass is also valid for CTA Para Transit Special Services (for those qualified through the RTA) until the printed expiration date.
  • U-Pass does not require a transfer or surcharge.
  • U-Pass is NOT valid for travel on PACE suburban buses or Metra commuter trains.
  • The cards of students whose enrollment status changes will be deactivated without refund.
  • The U-Pass has the student’s photo and name on the card and is non-transferable.
  • Incomplete courses, GUIDE program courses from previous terms, classes at other universities and courses not officially listed on the current term registration cannot be used to determine enrollment status.
  • Students in the Paralegal Certificate Program are not eligible for a U-PASS.

U-Pass Distribution

Students new to Roosevelt University:

Students who are new to the university can have their photo taken for their Ventra U-Pass and pick up a 7-day CTA pass from the Registrar's Office, located in WB 1M14, beginning August 20, 2025 during the hours below.

  • Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Your student ID card and a copy of your bill or schedule (electronic is acceptable) will be required in order to verify full-time enrollment. The actual Ventra U-Pass will be available for pick up, in the Registrar's Office (located in WB 1M14), one week from the day your photo is taken.

If you are a transfer student who has had a Ventra U-Pass with another school, please send an email to Deonna Alexander at dalexand@roosevelt.edu with your name, student ID number, and Ventra number located on the back of your card.

UPass + Metra

Roosevelt is expanding student transportation options with the new UPass + Metra Program, a mobile pass that gives students another way to get to campus and travel across Chicagoland. This optional add-on supports Roosevelt’s dedication to student access and affordability while providing more flexibility for commuting, internships, and exploring the region.

With UPass + Metra, students can reach more of the region by rail, including destinations near Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The add-on is available only during the fall and spring semesters and is not offered during the summer. Students who choose to participate must opt in each semester.

The Fall 2026 opt-in period runs from July 26, 2026, through September 9, 2026. The Spring 2027 opt-in period runs from December 22, 2026, through February 5, 2027. UPass + Metra has a bundled semester price of $335.50 and includes both the Metra pass and the CTA UPass. Students may save more than 50% in monthly commuting costs by participating through Roosevelt University.

Opt in to UPass + Metra Program

Note: By opting in to the UPass + Metra Program, you agree to pay all associated fees for the selected fall or spring semester, maintain an active CTA UPass, and acknowledge that fees are nonrefundable after the opt-in deadline and that misuse may result in loss of access. For student use only.

Questions about this page?

Questions about this page?

Associate Registrar, Registration Services