RTA launches Fare Programs Online 2.0, streamlining rider applications for Reduced Fare, Ride Free, Access Pilot programs
The RTA has launched Fare Programs Online 2.0, an enhanced version of its customer portal that makes it easier and more accessible for riders to apply for an...
December 16, 2025
One year in, Access Pilot Program makes transit more affordable, encourages ridership growth
This month the RTA, Metra, and Cook County are celebrating one year of success for the Access Pilot Program, which provides reduced fares on the entire Metra...
February 20, 2025
Why fully funding paratransit service and reduced fare programs is key to closing the transit budget gap
With transit facing a fiscal cliff in 2026, fully funding critical programs like ADA paratransit service and free and reduced fare programs is one key to clo...
February 18, 2025
RTA releases new fare equity report, recommending fully funding and expanding reduced fare programs
A new report released by the RTA in July, Building a More Equitable Fare Structure for Public Transit in the Chicago Region, recommends that the state legisl...
July 11, 2024
Four months into the Access Pilot Program, over 3,000 Metra riders experiencing low incomes enrolled for more affordable fares
On February 1, RTA launched the Access Pilot Program in partnership with Cook County and Metra, extending reduced fares to eligible Metra riders experiencing...
June 13, 2024
RTA debuts new ADA Paratransit, Ride Free, and Reduced Fare materials to improve user experience
On May 1, the RTA launched a collection of newly designed brochures, flyers, applications, and fare cards for the ADA Paratransit, Ride Free, and Reduced Far...
May 2, 2024
Coalition members provide feedback on rider safety, free and reduced fare programs, and legislative goals
Over 80 riders, agency staff, advocates, and other stakeholders met virtually with the RTA on April 10 for the fourth quarterly Transit is the Answer Coaliti...
April 12, 2024
How survivors of gender-based violence are using transit passes provided by the RTA
In November 2023, RTA provided 25,000 transit passes loaded with $20 each to The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, an Illinois membership organi...
March 19, 2024
RTA provides 25,000 $20 transit passes to be distributed to survivors of domestic violence
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has provided 25,000 transit passes loaded with $20 each to The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, an ...
November 6, 2023
RTA makes enhancements to ADA Paratransit Certification and fare programs
The RTA’s Mobility Services department has made a variety of recent enhancements to two programs that improve access to transportation for older adults and p...
August 22, 2023
New online portal increases access to RTA’s Reduced Fare and Ride Free permits
Gerard Wagner uses public transportation for everything. The 71-year-old retired engineer lives car-free by choice in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicag...
January 18, 2022
