Some riders, such as students and people with disabilities, qualify for reduced fares. There are also some free ride programs for those who qualify.
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Reduced fare program details
Quick Reduced Fare comparison:
- Reduced Fare Permits (buses)
$1.10 Reduced Fare
Includes up to 2 transfers within 2 hours
- Reduced Fare Permits (rail)
$1.25 Reduced Fare
Includes up to 2 transfers within 2 hours
- Reduced Fare with cash on buses
$1.25 Reduced Fare
No transfers
See our Complete Fare Chart to determine how much a full fare or reduced fare trip costs (and note that, in order to make transfers, you'll need to pay with a farecard), as well as additional options.
Children, 7–11 years of age
Each child pays a Reduced Fare:
- Tell bus operator or see station attendant for assistance at train stations before paying.
Children under 7 ride free with a fare-paying customer.
See also: Info for parents with children.
Student Reduced Fare
The Student Reduced Fare is separate from the regular Reduced Fare and is valid on school days only between 5:30am and 8:30pm. Students 20 & younger are eligible with a valid Student Ventra Card.
- Pricing:
$0.75 Student Reduced Fare
Includes up to 2 transfers within 2 hours (must use Student Ventra Card)
Get a Student Ventra Card
Student Ventra Cards are required to get the Student Reduced Fare on CTA. Learn more about how to get and use Student Ventra Cards.
Non-CPS school forms
Non-CPS schools can apply by mail: Information for schools/administrators
Note: College students do not qualify for the Student Reduced Fare. The CTA U-Pass for college/university students, however, is available through participating institutions.
RTA reduced fares
RTA Reduced Fare Permits
For seniors, Medicare recipients and people with disabilities.
- If you are aged 65 or older, you are eligible for reduced fare through the RTA Reduced Fare Program.
- All Medicare cardholders are eligible to apply for the RTA Reduced Fare Permit.
- If you have a disability, you may also qualify for this program. (More information...)
- ADA Paratransit Reduced Fare Permit allows the permit holder and an attendant to each ride at the reduced fare on fixed-route services.
- Reduced Fare Permit entitles the holder to travel at reduced fares on CTA, Pace and Metra.
- Reduced Fare Permits can store value to pay fares on CTA and Pace. Value can be added 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 the card can not exceed $100.
- Most Reduced Fare Permits are for the use of one person, only.
Visit the RTA's Web site or call (312) 913-3110 to apply for the RTA Reduced Fare Permit. You'll need your permit to ride at a reduced fare.
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 Military Service Pass may ride free on CTA buses and trains.
- To obtain a Military Service Pass, visit 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.
- You can also load transit value or a Pace pass onto a Military Service Pass to use it to ride on Pace buses.
Seniors ride free
Seniors, aged 65 or older: If you are an Illinois resident, and currently enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program, you are eligible for free transit on fixed routes operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace. Visit the RTA for more info.
People with disabilities ride free
If you are an Illinois resident, and currently enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program as a person with a disability, you are eligible for free transit on fixed routes operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace. Learn more.
See also