|
The RTA Reduced Fare Card enables those who qualify to ride all RTA services at a reduced rate. Applicants can apply at the RTA Customer Service Center in downtown Chicago at 165 N. Jefferson on Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at an RTA registration site (Click here for a list of the registration sites (opens as a .pdf)). Applicants can also call the RTA Travel Information Center at 836-7000 (from any local area code) or TTY: 312-836-4949 to find a registration site nearest them.
Senior Citizens
Senior Citizens aged 65 or over living in the RTA service region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) qualify for free transit on fixed routes operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace. Click here for more information.
Senior Citizens aged 65 or over living outside the RTA service region still qualify for the reduced fare rate. To meet the eligibility requirements, seniors must be within three weeks of the date of their 65th birthday.
Seniors must apply in person at the RTA’s Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago on Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at any one of the over 200 registration sites in the region. Click here for a list of registration sites. Or to find a site near you, call 836-7000 from any local area code. Give your zip code to the operator, who will let you know which location is nearest to you.
To complete your application when you go to a registration center, you are 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) and 2) a photo of yourself that is approximately passport size (1 1/2" square) and the person in the photo cannot wear a hat, scarf or sunglasses.. 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 eligibility requirements for reduced fare, persons with disabilities must fill out the disability application and either have the doctor 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 print out from Social Security dated this year with the word disabled. You must also have a copy of one of the following types of identification: Drivers License, State of Illinois ID Card, Alien Registration Card, passport or any government-issued ID that lists your date of birth. You also need a wallet-sized color photo. The person in the picture cannot wear a hat, scarf or sunglasses. The RTA Office is located in downtown Chicago at 165 N. Jefferson. Our hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Medicare Card Eligibility -- Other than disabled
Any individual holding 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 a copy of one of the following types of identification: Drivers License, State of Illinois ID card, Alien Registration Card, passport or any other government-issued identification that shows date of birth. Applicants will also need a wallet-sized color photo. The person in the picture cannot wear a hat, scarf or sunglasses. You may mail in your application form or you can visit our main office for assistance and free photo service. The RTA Office is located in downtown Chicago at 165 N. Jefferson. Our hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Replacement Cards
If your reduced fare permit 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. If you had the permit with the magnetic stripe, it is not necessary to submit another photograph and picture ID. If a card is more than 5 years old, the RTA no longer has your information in its computer and you will need to re-apply.
If your Reduced Fare Card has expired or is expiring soon, you need to re-apply. Simply call a Customer Service Representative during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Please have your social security number and the ID number on the bottom of your permit ready. Once we take your request, we will mail you a renewal form.
|
