RTA Increases Customer Service Resources To Assist Seniors

August 29, 2011

Number of customer service representatives tripled, hours of service extended

CHICAGO – As the September 1 date approaches when the Seniors Ride Free program ends, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) today further extended services at its call center and the Customer Service Center at 165 N. Jefferson St. in Chicago.

The RTA has tripled the number of customer service representatives taking calls for the Circuit Ride Free and Reduced Fare programs and extended hours at the Customer Service Center. From Monday through Friday, the call center and Customer Service Center will continue to open at 8 a.m., but will close at 6 p.m. instead of the usual closing time of 4:30 p.m. Over the last few months, Customer Service Center calls have increased from 500 to over 2,000 calls a day.

“We will not turn any customers away that are waiting in line at 6 p.m.,” said Jody Plahm, RTA Deputy Executive Director of Administrative Services. She explained further that additional personnel will be on hand at the Customer Service Center, and the CTA has provided overflow space in their lobby to accommodate seniors. The CTA is also providing a fare machine where customers can receive assistance on how to load fare value on their Reduced Fare permits.

Any senior that was already in the Seniors Ride Free program but hasn’t received either a Circuit Ride Free or Reduced Fare permit should immediately call the Customer Service Center at 312-913-3110. Customers can press any key to expedite contact with a customer service representative and bypass recorded messages. The RTA also has over 200 registration sites throughout the region.

Starting September 1, only Circuit Ride Free or Reduced Fare permits will be accepted on CTA, Metra and Pace buses and trains. There are no changes to the People with Disabilities Ride Free program.