The RTA does everything possible to help our riders save money. Are you eligible for a Reduced Fare Program?

Seniors living in the RTA service region: If you are an Illinois resident, aged 65 or older and live in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry or Will county, you are eligible for free transit on fixed routes operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace. More information on Seniors Ride free.

Seniors living outside the RTA service region: If you are an Illinois resident, aged 65 or older but live outside of our service region, you are still eligible for our reduced fare rate. All seniors must apply in person at the RTA’s Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Or apply at any one of our 200 registration sites in the region.

Seniors Ride Free Registration Sites - PDF Version (.pdf) Microsoft Word Version (.doc)

To find a site near you, call 836-7000 from any local area code. At the registration center, you will be required to present:

1. A government-issued picture identification card that verifies your age (drivers license, state of Illinois ID card, alien registration card or passport).

2. A wallet-sized color photo of yourself that is approximately 1 1/2" square. Do not wear a hat, scarf or sunglasses in the photo. Some registration centers may charge up to $5 for taking your photo. The RTA’s Customer Service Center does not charge for this service.

You should receive your new Senior Reduced Fare card in 3-4 weeks.

Disabled citizens: To meet the requirements for reduced fare, persons with disabilities must fill out the disability application. A doctor can fill out both the disability form and attach a letter of diagnosis, or if you are receiving disability payments from Social Security, you need a printout from Social Security dated this year with the word “disabled.” Also required are:

1. A government-issued picture identification card that verifies your age (drivers license, state of Illinois ID card, alien registration card or passport).

2. A wallet-sized color photo of yourself that is approximately 1 1/2" square. Do not wear a hat, scarf or sunglasses in the photo. Some registration centers may charge up to $5 for taking your photo. The RTA’s Customer Service Center does not charge for this service.

You must apply in person at the RTA’s Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medicare card holders (other than disabled): Any individual with a current valid Medicare card is eligible for a reduced fare permit. To apply as a Medicare cardholder, you will need verification of Medicare status. You can obtain a printout verifying your status by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security Administration Office.

Individuals with Medicare cards who are not disabled and not a senior must bring this proof of status in addition to their cards. Applicants must also provide:

1. A government-issued picture identification card that verifies your age (drivers license, state of Illinois ID card, alien registration card or passport).

2. A wallet-sized color photo of yourself that is approximately 1 1/2" square. Do not wear a hat, scarf or sunglasses in the photo. Some registration centers may charge up to $5 for taking your photo. The RTA’s Customer Service Center does not charge for this service.

You may mail in your application form or you can apply in person at the RTA’s Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Photo service is available at this location.

Replacement Cards: If your Reduced Fare card is lost or stolen, you must fill out a replacement application. The fee is $5.00 for the first replacement and $10.00 for each additional replacement. It is not necessary to submit another photo. Cards more than 5 years old require the user to re-apply.