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Written by Kyle Berson '26
Published on September 09, 2025
A Hartford Line train departs the station. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Parzych)
CTfastrak is another transit option available to U-Pass holders.
A new program for Eastern students provides unlimited free rides on most bus and train lines within the state of Connecticut. Through a partnership with the Office of Housing and Residential Life and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, U-Pass CT is now available to all undergraduate students, both residential and commuter.
The program was adopted after a vote was passed by the Student Government Association (SGA) during the fall 2024 semester. Casey Kensey, director of Student Activities, noted that the SGA “saw a need for Eastern students and advocated to make this happen for our community.”
The cost of the pass is included in student transportation fees, with a per-semester fee of $40.
“Knowing that we have many students who do not have cars, this gives them the opportunity to get from campus to almost anywhere in the state at no additional cost,” said Paul Serignese, director of Housing and Residential Life. “It doesn’t matter if you have a license or a car. You can get around Willimantic and Connecticut much easier now.”
Students may pick up their U-Pass at the Bursar’s Office window on the second floor of the Wood Support Services Center by presenting a valid student ID.
Once obtained, students may present their U-Pass and valid student ID on any participating public transit to ride for free. The fall semester pass is valid from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, while the spring semester pass is valid from Jan. 1 to July 31, 2026.
Popular transit options include the Hartford Express, which takes riders from High Street to downtown Hartford in about 40 minutes, and the CTrail Hartford line, which connects regional cities including New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield, MA.
The program also provides an opportunity for a heavily discounted train ride to New York City.
“The thing I think many students are excited about is using their U-Pass to get on Metro-North -- a Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) train line -- in New Haven and going to New York City for only $11,” Serignese said.
While the U-Pass is only valid within Connecticut, pass holders will still experience a significant discount on the full fare from New Haven to New York City, which can cost upwards of $26 during peak hours. With U-Pass, students will only need to pay their fare when crossing state lines in Greenwich.
Patricia Szczys, executive director of Eastern’s Center for Sustainability Studies, highlighted the program’s role in aiding environmental and social causes.
“Public transportation in general offers major carbon reductions per mile traveled, reduces pollution, and increases mobility and access for everyone, especially low-income, older, and rural populations,” she said. “U-Pass access also addresses equity issues on our campus and in our communities alongside the environmental benefits.”
U-Pass CT is valid for the following bus and train lines: