07/26/00
The Chicago Transit Authority will start selling Smart Cards at various CTA locations as of August 1, 2000 and at the CTA website, www.transitchicago.com. Earlier this month, the Chicago Transit Board approved an ordinance allowing the CTA to implement a Smart Card pilot program. This program is designed to offer customers another Transit Card option with the added speed of "touch and go" access through the turnstiles and bus fareboxes, plus the added convenience of a more durable plastic card that won't lose its remaining value even if it gets lost.
"Smart Cards are the wave of the future and the CTA wants to be able to expand the use of Smart Card technology to our full-fare customers. These high-tech Transit Cards will give more CTA customers the chance to touch and go," said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Valerie B. Jarrett. "We want to encourage customers to buy their Smart Cards early as only a limited number are available as part of this pilot program."
About 3,500 CTA Smart Cards will be available for purchase at the following locations on a first come, first served basis. Each location has limited quantities available.
Tuesday, August 1
6am -10am; 3pm - 7pm
Red Line-Howard Terminal
7535 N. Hermitage Avenue
Thursday, August 3
6am - 10am; 3pm - 7pm
Red Line-95th Terminal
14 W. 95th Street
Monday, August 7
6am - 10am; 3pm - 7pm
Brown Line-Kimball Terminal
3349 W. Lawrence Avenue
Wednesday, August 9
6am - 10am; 3pm - 7pm
Green Line-Ashland/63rd Terminal
6319 S. Ashland Avenue
Friday, August 11
6am - 10am; 3pm - 7pm
Orange Line-Midway Terminal
4612 W. 59th Street
Tuesday, August 15
6am - 10am; 3pm - 7pm
Green Line-Lake/Harlem Terminal
1 S. Marion, Oak Park
Thursday, August 17
6am - 10am: 3pm - 7pm
Blue Line-Jefferson Park Terminal
4917 N. Milwaukee Avenue
From August 1 through August 31, CTA Smart Cards can also be purchased at the CTA Central Offices located on the 7th Floor of the Merchandise Mart from 8am until 4pm. On-line purchases can be made 24 hours a day through the CTA website at www.transitchicago.com.
Customers will also be able to purchase Smart Cards at two Dominick's Finer Foods locations. On Saturday, August 5, Smart Cards will be sold from 10am to 4pm at the Dominick's store at 2021 E. 71st Street. On Saturday, August 12, Smart Cards will be sold from 10am to 4pm at the Dominick's store at 3250 W. 87th Street.
If a customer reports a lost Smart Card during the pilot program, a $5 replacement fee will be charged for a new card, but the remaining dollar value on the card will be restored following an audit and confirmation by CTA.
CTA President Frank Kruesi said, "Smart Cards offer easier access, durability and reliability as a way for CTA customers to pay their fares. Smart Transit Cards last longer than magnetic-stripe Transit Cards and riders can keep them longer. Customers can purchase the cards at eight CTA locations, on-line from the CTA website and at two Dominick's Finer Food stores."
For more information on CTA Smart Card sales, please call the CTA Customer Service Hotline at 1-888-YOUR-CTA.
# # #