Reduced Fare & Free Ride Programs
A "full fare" is the regular fare for riders on the CTA. Full fare is typically paid when you first board a bus or train as part of a trip. However, some riders, such as high school students or people with disabilities, qualify for "reduced fares."
There are also some free ride programs for those who qualify.
Quick Reduced Fare comparison (must be eligible for use):
- Cash on buses
$1 reduced fare. No transfer available.
- Reduced Fare Transit Card or Permit (Buses or trains)
85 cents reduced fare + 15 cents for up to two transfers within two hours (deducted at first transfer).
See our Complete Fare Chart to determine how much a full fare or reduced fare trip costs (and note that, in order to make paid transfers, you'll need to pay with a farecard).
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Reduced Fare Program Details
Children, 7 through 11 years of age
Each child pays a reduced fare. Tell bus operator or see Customer Assistant or security guard for assistance at train stations.
Student Riding Permit
Student riding permits are available for students 12-years-old and older, and are obtained for the elementary or high school where a student is in attendance, or by calling (312) 932-2923. These permits are valid from 5:30 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. on school days, only.
Cost to get the card:
- Regular school year: $5
- Summer session: $2
Student Riding Permit Application Forms
You may also use these forms to apply for a Student Riding Permit:
For parents/students/school administrators:
For school administrators, only:
College students
College students do not qualify for the CTA Student Riding Permit, however, the U-Pass is available through participating institutions.
RTA Reduced Fare Card
- Riders with disabilities
- Call (312) 913-3110 to apply for the RTA Reduced Fare Permit. All Medicare cardholders are eligible to apply for the RTA Reduced Fare Permit.
- Reduced Fare Permit allows the permit holder and an attendant to each ride at the reduced fare.
- Reduced Fare Permit entitles the holder to travel at reduced fares on CTA, Pace and Metra.
Value can be added to Reduced Fare Permits at vending machines located at CTA rail stations. Vending machines accept one, two, five, ten, and twenty-dollar bills, and all coins except pennies and half dollars. Maximum value on card can not exceed $100.
- Most Reduced Fare Permits are for the use of one person only.
- A Reduced Fare Permit allows one reduced fare for the Permit holder and one reduced fare for an attendant accompanying the Permit holder to be paid using the Permit with transfer eligibility maintained for both individuals.
- Reduced Fare Permit entitles the holder to travel at reduced fares on Pace and Metra.
Free Ride Program Details
Military Service Pass
- Active U.S. military personnel in full uniform and presenting their United States Armed Forces ID may ride free on CTA buses and trains.
- Active U.S. military personnel and qualifying disabled veterans with a CTA Military Service Pass may ride free on CTA buses and trains.
- To obtain a CTA Military Service Pass, visit an authorized CTA service center on select days of the month.
- See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for locations, dates and times to visit a service center, and more.
Seniors Ride Free
- As of March 17, 2008, seniors age 65 and over (living in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) are eligible to ride free on CTA, Pace and Metra fixed routes with a valid RTA Reduced Fare Riding Permit or RTA Ride Free Smart Card.
- To obtain a RTA Ride Free Smart Card, visit rtachicago.com/seniorsridefree or call (312) 836-7000.
People with Disabilities Ride Free
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) system began allowing free rides on fixed-route transit to riders issued a “Circuit Permit” as part of the People with Disabilities Ride Free Program enacted under Senate Bill 1920.
The legislation requires free rides on fixed-route transit (regularly scheduled CTA, Metra, and Pace buses and trains) to be made available to any Illinois resident who has been enrolled as a person with a disability in the Illinois Circuit Breaker program.
Learn more about the program at the RTA's Web site.