FAQ

Military Service Pass

Am I eligible for a Military Service Pass?

What is required to confirm my eligibility?

How and where do I obtain my Military Service Pass?

What if I am on active duty and in uniform?

How do I use my Military Service Pass to get free transit?

I am retired from the military. Am I eligible for a Military Service Pass?

How do I replace my lost, stolen or damaged MSP?

How do I renew my Military Service Pass expiring in May 2013?

Military Service Pass

Q: Am I eligible for a Military Service Pass?
A: You are eligible for a Military Service Pass if you qualify as:

• Chicago area active duty military personnel and possess an Armed Forces ID Card;
• An actively drilling member of the National Guard and Reserves who possesses an Armed Forces ID card;
• A Chicago area disabled veteran who has a qualifying service-connected disability and can provide proof that: you are in receipt of United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs (USDVA) disability compensation of 10% or greater; or you are receiving military disability retirement pay in lieu of USDVA compensation at a rate of 10% or greater.

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Q: What is required to confirm my eligibility?
A:

• For active duty military personnel, an Armed Forces ID card.
• For disabled veterans, an official letter from the USDVA indicating eligibility for a qualifying service-connected disability payment as outlined above, along with a valid state ID card.

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Q: How and where do I obtain my Military Service Pass?
A: You can use any of the following service centers to obtain a Military Service Pass.

Note: CTA is conducting a re-enrollment for the MSP program. All eligible veterans who need replacement cards for lost, stolen, and damaged cards, and veterans for initial enrollment must go to one of the locations listed below to re-enroll or apply for the MSP. All veterans must bring their Armed Forces ID cards, or if receiving disability retirement pay, proof of compensation.

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph
Room 5-570
Chicago, IL 60601
1st Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Nov 6, 2012, Election Day)

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
820 S. Damen
Room 2446
Chicago, IL 60612
4th Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Q: What if I am on active duty and in uniform?
A: You can ride for free and do not need to use your Military Service Pass. However, if you are on active duty but not in uniform, you must have a Military Service Pass in order to ride for free.

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Q: How do I use my Military Service Pass to get free transit?
A: If you have a smart card, touch your Military Service Pass to the blue target on the bus or rail station turnstile. Do not insert the Military Service Pass into the slot.

If you have one of the new magnetic strip MSPs you insert it into the farecard slot (NOT the money slot) so the equipment can read the magnetic strip.

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Q: I am retired from the military. Am I eligible for a Military Service Pass?
A: No. Only active duty military personnel and disabled veterans who have a qualifying service-connected disability (as outlined above) are eligible for the Military Service Pass. If you are 65 years of age or older, you may be eligible for the RTA Circuit Ride Free Program. Contact the RTA at 1-312-913-3110 or go to rtachicago.com for details.

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Q: How do I replace my lost, stolen or damaged MSP?
A: Print out a Request for Replacement Form or contact the CTA at 1-888-YOURCTA (1-888-968-7282) (1-888-CTA-TTY1). Please make sure you print neatly and include a telephone number. Do not submit a photo as we have one on file.

To Order by Mail:

• Enclose a money order (no personal checks) payable to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).The fee is $5.00 for the first replacement and $10.00 for all subsequent replacements. Please do not mail cash.
• Mail your application with money order to the CTA Military Service Pass Program, Revenue Technology Programs, 567 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661-1465. Your pass will be mailed to you within five to seven business days.

 

In Person (Only for MSP holders who have already received their new, card with magnetic stripe):

Visit the Sales Center located on the 2nd floor of CTA Headquarters, 567 West Lake Street, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may use a money order, cash or credit card (American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Discover) to pay for your replacement card. Present your Request for Replacement form along with your payment. Your replacement Military Service Pass will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days.

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Q: How do I renew my Military Service Pass expiring in May 2013?
A: Military Service Pass holders with the expiration date of May 1, 2013 must re-enroll in the program by May 1, 2013.

Have a new picture taken, update your information, and receive your new MSP with extended expiration date to 2015. Here's where:

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph
Room 5-570
Chicago, IL 60601
1st Tuesday
8:30AM to 4:00PM
Beginning March 1, 2013

Northwest Armory
1551 N. Kedzie
Chicago, IL 60651
2nd Wednesday
8:30AM to 4:00PM
March 1st through June 30th ONLY

General Jones Armory
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Office
5200 S. Cottage Grove
Room N100
Chicago, IL 60615
3rd Thursday
8:30AM to 4:00PM
March 1st through June 30th ONLY

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
820 S. Damen
Room 2446
Chicago, IL 60612
4th Tuesday
8:00AM to 4:00PM
Beginning March 1, 2013

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