City Colleges of Chicago

180 N. Wabash, Suite 200

Chicago, Il 60601
10/14/2018
Erika Gonzalez
xxxx North Kimball Ave
Chicago, IL, 60647

Dear Tracy B. Fleming and the Board of Trustees,

I am a student studying at Harold Washington College. I am writing to request that Ventra card
Upass should be eligible for student with 6 credit hours during fall, spring, and summer courses.
The way Chicago minimum wages are, rent has increased, food, gas, and healthcare. Upasses are
only eligible for students who have 12 credit hours or more. If dropped lower than 12 credit
hours the pass will no longer be effective. Chicago Transit Services have student reduced fares
but limited to ages 12-20. The Chicago Transit Authority website (2018) under Student
Reduced Fare without a transit Ventra card full cost for the ‘L’ train $2.50, and the bus fare $2.25
per CTA transfer. With a Ventra card costing $5 it reduces the next transfer for 0.25. The 30-Day
pass averages around $105 a month for unlimited transportation also on the Chicago transit
Authority (2018) under Fare Information. Students who are not qualified for financial aid or
don't have any scholarships have to pay out of pocket. Leaving them with more debt they cannot
afford. An average cost for a associates degree in the City Colleges of Chicago is $38,228. On
the College Simply website (2018) City Colleges of Chicago- Harold Washington College
tuition & cost. Allowing part- time students to have access to a Upass can help them attend
school without more financial debt.

Yours truly,

Erika Gonzalez