Beginning May 1 current Military Service Pass holders must update their information to receive a new MSP card with an extended expiration date. Veterans with passes due to expire this year must re-enroll into the program.
All veterans and current service members must bring their Armed Forces identification card to any of four MSP locations. Anyone receiving disability retirement must also provide proof of compensation. Disabled veterans will need an official letter from the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs indicating eligibility for a qualifying service-connected disability compensation (of 10% or greater) payment along with a valid state ID card. A new photo will be taken and necessary paperwork will also be filled out at that time to update information.
The Military Service Pass program started in 2008, following passage of a Chicago City Council Ordinance establishing free rides on CTA buses and trains for anyone on active duty and in uniform as well as disabled veterans. If you are on active duty but not in uniform, your MSP must be presented in order to ride for free. Actively drilling National Guard or Army Reserves members also qualify and will need their Armed Forces ID card.
Retired military personnel aged 65 and over, may be eligible for the RTA Circuit Ride Free Program. Anyone with questions can call 1-888-YOUR-CTA (1-888-968-7282) for more information.
MSP Locations
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Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph
Room 5-570
Chicago, IL 60601
1st Tuesday
8:30 am to 4 pm
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Northwest Armory
1551 N. Kedzie
Chicago, IL 60651
2nd Wednesday
8:30 am to 4 pm
May 1st through August 31st ONLY
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General Jones Armory
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Office
5200 S. Cottage Grove
Room N100
Chicago, IL 60615
3rd Thursday
8:30 am to 4 pm
May 1st through August 31st ONLY
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Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
820 S. Damen
Room 2446
Chicago, IL 60612
4th Tuesday
8:00 am to 4 pm
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