{"id":614,"date":"2023-02-14T08:52:42","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T14:52:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/repbradstephens.com\/?p=614"},"modified":"2023-02-16T08:53:43","modified_gmt":"2023-02-16T14:53:43","slug":"cta-and-pace-announce-new-integrated-unlimited-ride-passes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/repbradstephens.com\/cta-and-pace-announce-new-integrated-unlimited-ride-passes\/","title":{"rendered":"CTA and Pace Announce New Integrated, Unlimited-Ride Passes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Traveling throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs will soon be easier and more affordable than ever. Beginning\u00a0Monday, February 20<\/strong>, all\u00a0newly purchased<\/strong>\u00a0passes, including 1-Day and 3-Day unlimited-ride passes will be accepted on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and now Pace Suburban Bus.<\/p>\n

These enhancements build on the 7-Day and 30-Day pass price reductions and free transfers between CTA services that launched in fall 2021 and the new Regional Connect Pass launched in summer 2022. These new pass integrations are intended to make regional transit trips easier by offering seamless interconnectivity between the CTA and Pace, and in some cases, even making travel more affordable than before.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow more than ever, it\u2019s vital we seek out new opportunities to eliminate the hurdles of taking public transit and allow Chicagoans and visitors alike to travel seamlessly throughout the region,\u201d said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. \u201cPublic transit is the equity equalizer, and with these changes we are opening more doors and allowing anyone to get to farthest corners of our region for one low-price.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the biggest benefits of this new agreement between CTA and Pace is that 1- and 3-Day passes will be valid for use on both systems at current prices. Additionally, the $5 surcharge on the former CTA-Pace 7-Day pass has been removed \u2013 meaning riders will get more mileage for their buck when using the new 7-Day pass ($20) across the two systems. All passes are available for purchase through the Ventra fare collection system.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese changes improve access and provide customers with better fare payment options, flexibility, and lower fares. Pace is excited to continue our commitment with the other transit boards to offer fare products that ensure regional connectivity and affordability for our riders,\u201d said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.<\/p>\n

All unlimited-ride passes, which will also be accepted across both transit systems, will maintain current pass pricing: 1-Day ($5), 3-Day ($15), 7-Day ($20) and 30-Day ($75).<\/p>\n

These changes in fare payments are the result of two recently approved intergovernmental agreements between CTA and Pace. These agreements expand the relationship between the two agencies to accept additional passes on each other\u2019s systems as well as streamline the revenue share for the passes based on shared pass ridership on each system.<\/p>\n

In early 2022, all three regional transit systems \u2013 CTA, Metra and Pace \u2013 introduced the new\u00a0Regional Connect Pass<\/em><\/strong>, which when coupled with Metra\u2019s new \u201cSuper Saver\u201d monthly pass, provides Chicago area residents unlimited rides on all three systems \u2013 at a reduced cost and with greater flexibility. Last year, the CTA lowered the cost of all its unlimited-ride passes and made transfers between CTA services free. Pace joined CTA to lower fares on shared, unlimited-ride passes. In addition, Pace has implemented a reduced fare structure for part-time users of their Vanpool Program and will eliminate or reduce transfer costs between Pace services on February 20.<\/p>\n

Importantly, all enhancements apply to new pass purchases beginning February 20, 2023. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Information for Customers with Existing Unlimited Ride Passes:\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n