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Commuter Transit Pass Program

Program overview

The University has partnered with Inspira, formerly PayFlex, a major processor of commuter benefits, to administer our pre-tax Commuter Transit and Parking programs. The campus parking programs administered by Transportation & Parking Services are not included in this benefit. Contact that office directly for on-campus parking options.  Faculty and staff on paid or unpaid leaves of absence are not eligible for the commuter benefits.

You must place or change orders by the 5th of the month prior to the month in which you will use the pass.

Any new enrollments/changes entered after the 5th will take effect one month later. No refunds or adjustments can be provided.

For Example, for a transit pass in April:
- Must place transit order by March 5th;
- Deduction taken from last paycheck in March;
- Pass is for April.

It is highly recommended that you use your Ventra account to purchase METRA tickets digitally.  Otherwise you can order a METRA fare card online and the transit authority will mail it to your home; you’ll receive it before the first day of the benefit month, but if the pass is lost in the mail or delayed, you will not be offered a refund. If you use a fare card, you must first buy it from your transit authority. Then you can load money to it online.

In the Chicago area the program covers the popular CTA, Metra, and Pace transit systems as well as the Northwestern Shuttle. Employees who use the South Shore, the Chicago Water Taxi and other local transit systems will be able to take advantage of pre-tax deductions.  Those who work outside of the Chicago area will also have access to purchase local transit media using Inspira.

Enrollment Instructions 

Creating an Account / Logging into Inspira, formerly PayFlex

Enrollment - Purchasing Transit Passes

If you are loading CTA or Pace funds onto a Ventra card, you must first obtain the Ventra card and activate it online at www.ventrachicago.com.

Canceling enrollment

If you no longer wish to participate in the program, you must log into https://inspirafinancial.com/before the monthly cutoff date (5th of each month) and shut off your deduction. If you do not shut off your deduction before the cutoff date you will receive your transit benefit for one more month. No refunds or adjustments can be provided.