CTA to launch new fare payment system
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Some Chicago Transit Authority customers will begin using the new Ventra fare payment system, a single fare card for transit throughout the Chicago region, in August 2013, with a full public in September.
Ventra, which replaces CTA’s existing, nearly 20-year-old fare-payment system, offers transit customers the convenience and flexibility of a modern fare payment system, including faster boarding, account management and value protection. With Ventra, customers can use a Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket or their own contactless bankcard to pay for CTA rides by loading transit value and passes.
A simple “tap” of a contactless card will allow customers to quickly board CTA buses and trains, as well as Pace buses. Ventra has no fees for daily transit use and CTA and Pace fares will remain the same.
“We’ve spent nearly two years building and testing this innovative system and are eager for customers to begin integrating Ventra into their daily lives,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. “In advance of this transition, the CTA and Pace are continuing to educate the Chicago region on this new way to pay for public transit.”
Upon launch, Ventra will be the nation’s largest transit open fare payment system and will eventually include a network with more than three times the current number in the region, expected at around 2,000.
