Discounted Fare and Ride Free Programs

The RTA coordinates reduced fare and ride free programs for the region. Older adults, people with disabilities, and military personnel may be eligible for discounts. Apply online using the Fare Portal below or for in person assistance with Ride Free and Reduced Fare cards, you can find your nearest registration site using our Registration Site Locator.

To learn about the Access Pilot Program for reduced Metra fare for riders experiencing low incomes visit, www.rtachicago.org/access.

Visit the Travel Assistance Digital Library to download document related to these programs.

The following full- and half-day closure alerts are for the RTA's four City of Chicago registration sites:

For your convenience, when visiting the site at City Hall, Room 100, 121 N. LaSalle St. in Chicago, please enter on the LaSalle St. side of the building.

Half-day closure dates

On Wednesday September 4, 2024, there will be no RTA services after 12:00PM at Southwest Center.

Full-day closure dates

All RTA City sites will be closed on the following days:

• New Years Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Years Eve Day

In the event that a holiday falls on a weekend, in observance of that holiday, the offices will be closed on the prior or next business day.

Apply online for RTA Fare Programs

RTA’s Fare Programs portal launched in January 2022 and allows customers to apply, renew or replace an RTA Fare program permit online. This web application makes applying for these programs easier and more accessible for all.

Ride Free Permits

Older adults and people with disabilities who are enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program are eligible to ride free on the CTA, Metra and Pace fixed-route services. Eligibility in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program (BAP) is required in order to be found eligible for the RTA Ride Free program.

How to apply for a Ride Free Permit

Apply for BAP at the Illinois Department of Aging's website or call 1-800-252-8966 [TTY: 1-888-206-1327]. Information is also available at many senior centers, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities in the City of Chicago, and Independent Living Centers. Once you are found eligible for BAP, then complete the RTA’s Ride Free application in our new online portal.

You can also download a Ride Free Application or call RTA Customer Service at (312) 913-3110 to have an application mailed to you. Program applications are available in alternate formats to ensure ADA accessibility.

How to renew Ride Free Permits

Approximately two months before your permit’s expiration date, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail with a renewal application on the back side of the notice. Mail the completed renewal application and a copy of your Illinois State ID Card, Illinois Driver’s License, or City of Chicago CityKey Card to the RTA at the address listed on the application. You can also renew your Ride Free Permit online at Fares.RTAChicago.org for a faster processing time.

How to replace your Ride Free Permit

If your reduced fare permit is lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply for a new one at Fares.RTAChicago.org or download a replacement application, or call (312) 913-3110 to have one mailed to you. It is not necessary to submit another photo.

Reduced Fare Permits

RTA issues Reduced Fare Permits to allow older adults and persons with qualifying disabilities to ride at a reduced rate on CTA, Metra and Pace buses and trains.

You can download an application for seniors or an application for people with disabilities below, or call RTA Customer Service at 312-913-3110 to have an application mailed to you. Program applications and brochures are available in alternate formats to ensure ADA accessibility.

All individuals 65 years old and over who are ineligible for the RTA Ride Free Program are eligible to receive a reduced fare permit. Apply at Fares.RTAChicago.org or download the Reduced Fare Application.

All persons with a qualifying disability who are ineligible for the RTA Ride Free Program are eligible to receive a reduced fare permit. To qualify, individuals must submit proof of disability. If receiving Social Security disability benefits, a printout from Social Security, dated within the current year with the word “disabled" on the printout is required. If not receiving disability payments from Social Security, a doctor must fill out the proof of disability form located within the application and attach a letter of diagnosis to the application. Apply at Fares.RTAChicago.org, or download the Reduced Fare Application.

Individuals with a 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, by visiting a Social Security Administration Office, or by downloading a statement on the Social Security web site at www.ssa.gov.

Individuals with Medicare cards who do not have a disability and are under the age of 65 must provide a copy of their Medicare card and proof of current Medicare eligibility.

All reduced fare permit cardholders with an expired permit or a permit with an upcoming expiration date on the front of the card will need to re-apply. Reduced Fare Permits do not auto-renew. Apply at Fares.RTAChicago.org and follow the same application directions above.

Apply online at Fares.RTAChicago.org or download a replacement application, or call (312) 913-3110 to have one mailed to you.

Military Service Fare Program

Free or reduced fare rides are available for qualifying military personnel in the RTA's service region of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. The free or reduced fare rides are provided on fixed-route service by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace Suburban Bus. Qualifications vary among transit providers. Please view the transit provider you are using for the applicable conditions.

CTA allows active-duty U.S. military personnel and veterans who have a qualifying service-connected disability to ride CTA for free. This includes:

• Chicago area active duty military personnel and actively drilling members of the National Guard and Reserves who possess an Armed Forces ID card, or a member of the Coast Guard with appropriate identification.
• Chicago area veterans with a disability who have a qualifying service-connected disability.

Visit the CTA website to learn more about qualifications, how to apply for a Military Service Pass and other frequently asked questions.

Metra offers reduced fare rides for active duty military personnel presenting a military ID.

Active duty military personnel must purchase a One-Way or 10-Ride reduced fare ticket from a Metra ticket agent or onboard the train. The discount does not apply to monthly tickets.

Pace offers free rides to U.S. military personnel on active duty and in uniform. Active duty military personnel who are in uniform must see the bus operator for their free ride.

Contact Information

RTA Administrative Offices
175 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1550
Chicago, IL 60604
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
312-913-3200

For the nearest customer service location,
please call 312-913-3110.

RTA Travel Information
312-836-7000

RTA Transit Benefit Fare Program
1-888-782-1008

RTA Mobility Services Helpline
312-663-HELP (4357)

Ride Free and Reduced Fare Programs
312-913-3110