PACE RIDERS WHO TRANSFER TO THE CTA SHOULD AVOID CASH FARES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 27, 20055:00:00 PM
Media Release Office: (847) 228-4295
Contact: Patrick Wilmot (847) 228-4295

Pace riders who transfer to CTA buses and trains should avoid paying their fares with cash starting on Sunday, January 1, 2006. The New Year marks the start of a change in CTA fare and transfer policies. In addition to increasing their base fare from $1.75 to $2.00, the CTA is no longer accepting any paper transfers. Therefore, Pace transfers are not being considered a fare payment. The CTA will not be issuing any transfers or transfer cards.

There are no changes or increases in Pace fares. People traveling within the Pace system can still purchase a transfer for 25 cents and will see no difference in their travel costs. However, when a passenger boards a Pace bus, wants to use cash and transfer to the CTA, they’ll pay their usual fare of $1.50 and still need to pay another full fare of $2.00 to board a CTA bus or train. Previously this trip was made with a 25 cent transfer from Pace for a total cost of $1.75 rather than the new price of $3.50.

A 25 cent transfer to the CTA will be available as a deduction from stored value transit cards – the CTA Transit Card and Chicago Card or Chicago Card Plus. Those who use public transportation on a regular basis should find it most economical to use the Pace/CTA 30-Day Pass, Pace/Metra LinkUp Pass or the CTA 7-Day Pass. These passes allow for unlimited rides with no cost for a transfer. More information about transit cards, passes and purchase locations can be obtained by calling the RTA Travel Information Center from any area code at 836-7000. Information on Pace routes and fares can be found on their website, www.pacebus.com. Most passes and cards can be purchased on-line.

There are some Pace routes, primarily commuter feeder routes to Metra stations, on which the CTA’s Transit Card or Chicago Card cannot be accepted. They are operated with buses that at do not yet have automatic fare collection equipment.

“We’ve done our best to avoid a fare increase, especially as our ridership numbers continue to grow. Those who use Pace to travel in and around the suburbs still get a pretty good deal for the distance they can travel for $1.50”, said Pace Executive Director T.J. Ross. “We want to make sure that our riders who transfer to the CTA avoid the extra costs and encourage them to use passes and transit cards.”

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