First-of-its-kind transit app for CTA, Metra and Pace has been used to purchase more than $110 million in fares less than one year after successful launch
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced that the Ventra transit app has been downloaded more than 1 million times and has been used by Chicago transit users to purchase more than $110 million in fares. Less than one year after the November 2015 launch, the app continues to provide riders with a convenient “one-stop shopping” experience across CTA, Metra and Pace.
The Ventra app is the first transit app in the nation that allowed customers to pay for rides on multiple transit systems. The free app was developed and launched by the CTA in partnership with Metra, the Chicago area’s commuter rail system and Pace, the suburban bus system, in November 2015. It followed the development and launch by CTA of its new, modern Ventra fare payment system, which CTA owns, in 2014.
“When we launched the Ventra app with Metra and Pace, our goal was to improve the how Chicago commuters get to and from their destinations each day,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. “Less than one year after launch, more than one million people have downloaded the app—further showing how important it is to continue to leverage technology that can help us improve the transit experience.”
The app offers customers a wide range of functionality – some never before available on phones – including transit account management, loading of transit value/passes, account notifications and integrated mobile ticketing on Metra. It also provides access to real-time transit tracker information for CTA, Metra and Pace all in one place. Future phases will offer additional services and conveniences.
“The Ventra app is a fast and easy way to buy and display Metra mobile tickets, and that’s why it has really caught on with Metra customers – it now accounts for nearly one in four of our ticket sales,” said Metra Executive Chairman/CEO Don Orseno. “We’ve really put a ticket vending machine in the pocket of every customer who owns a smartphone.”
“These are impressive milestones and we are proud to be a part of this success. Because of Ventra, our regional transit system is easier to use and more accessible than ever,” said Pace Executive Director T.J. Ross. “Reaching one million downloads and $110 million in fares purchased is remarkable and reflects the hard work of all who have made this achievement possible.”
In September, CTA was awarded the 2016 American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Innovation Award, the top industry award for distinguished innovation among North American transit systems, for the Ventra transit app.
The Regional Transportation Authority’s Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) program provided funding for the app’s development.
The free Ventra app is available for download and use on Apple and Android smartphone and tablet devices via www.ventrachicago.com, the App Store and Google Play.
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