Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the primary public transportation provider in Chicago, Illinois. CTA buses operate in the city and some suburbs. The CTA bus fare depends on several factors such as age, distance traveled, and payment method. In this article, we will discuss the CTA bus fare in detail and provide a table of fare rates.
The CTA offers several payment options for its bus fares, including contactless payment methods like Ventra, Ventra Card, and Ventra Ticket. Here are the current fare rates as of September 2021:
| Fare Type | Ventra/Ticket | Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Regular/Full | $2.50 | $3.00 |
| Reduced Fare | $1.25 | N/A |
| Student Fare | $1.10 | N/A |
| U-Pass | $0.00 | N/A |
| Child (7-11) | $1.25 | $1.50 |
| Child (under 7) | Free | Free |
| Personal Care Attendant | Free | Free |
The CTA offers a reduced fare for eligible individuals, including senior citizens (age 65 or older), people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders. To qualify for a reduced fare, riders must show their valid ID to the bus operator or present their Reduced Fare Ventra Card.
The CTA offers a discounted student fare for students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Students must have a valid Student Ventra Card to access the discounted fare.
The CTA also offers a U-Pass program for college students, which provides unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains for a flat fee. The U-Pass program is only available to students who attend participating colleges and universities.
The CTA accepts several payment methods for bus fares, including cash, Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, and contactless payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. To pay with cash, riders should have exact change as the bus operator does not give change.
| Payment Options: | The CTA offers various payment options for bus fares, including cash, Ventra Card, and Ventra Ticket. Riders can also pay for their fares using contactless payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. |
| Ventra Card and Ticket: | The Ventra Card is a reloadable smart card that can be used for CTA bus and train fares, as well as other participating transit agencies in the Chicago region. The Ventra Ticket is a paper ticket that can be loaded with fares at CTA vending machines and retail locations. |
| Reduced Fare Eligibility: | Riders who are eligible for a reduced fare must have a valid Reduced Fare Ventra Card or show a qualifying ID to the bus operator. The qualifying IDs include a Chicago Card Plus, Reduced Fare Permit, or a Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Reduced Fare Permit. |
| U-Pass: | The U-Pass program is available to full-time students enrolled in participating colleges and universities. The U-Pass provides unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains for a flat fee per semester. |
| Transfers: | Riders who pay for their fare with a Ventra Card or Ticket can transfer between CTA buses and trains within two hours of their initial boarding for free. Transfers are not available for riders who pay with cash. |
| Late Night Service: | The CTA operates late night bus service on select bus routes. The fare for late night service is $2.00 for all riders, regardless of their age or fare type. |
| Refunds: | Riders who purchase a fare using a Ventra Card or Ticket can receive a refund for any unused balance on their card or ticket. Refunds can be obtained at Ventra vending machines, retail locations, or by calling the Ventra customer service hotline. |
In summary, the CTA offers several payment options and fare types to accommodate the needs of all riders. Reduced fares are available for eligible individuals, and contactless payment options like Ventra Card and Ticket, as well as contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, are available for added convenience. Riders can also transfer between CTA buses and trains for free with a Ventra Card or Ticket, and refunds for unused balances are available upon request.
To track CTA Bus visit here: CTA Bus Tracking
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