Update on Expiration Dates of Reduced Fare and Ride Free Permits
RTA announced on August 2, 2021, that if you have a Reduced Fare or Ride Free permit that has expired or will expire during the pandemic, RTA will continue to extend a one-time courtesy of automatically renewing eligibility so you can continue to access reduced fares without needing to renew your permit.
A new permit will come in the mail prior to the expiration of your current permit.
For more information, please visit: https://www.rtachicago.org/rider-resources/covid-changes
Reduced Fare
RTA-issued Reduced Fare Permits allow seniors and people with qualifying disabilities to ride certain services at a reduced rate if they present a valid permit when paying.
Reduced fares are also available to children aged 7 to 11 as well as grade school, middle school, and high school students aged 12–20 presenting a valid school ID.
Riders can load reduced fare passes onto their Ventra cards to automatically pay the reduced fare for rides.
Free Fare
Free fare is provided to:
• Children under 7 (up to two children per fare-paying adult)
• Active duty military personnel in uniform
• Police officers and firefighters in uniform or with badge and ID
Additionally, service on the Niles Free Bus (Routes 410, 411, and 412); the Schaumburg Trolley and Rosemont Circulator; and the parking shuttle for events at Ravinia Festival are all free.
Older adults and people with disabilities who are enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program are also eligible to ride free on Pace fixed-route services. Please visit rtachicago.org for more information.
Applying for a Reduced Fare or Ride Free Permit for the first time?
Download a Reduced Fare and/or Ride Free application, call 312-913-3110 for assistance or apply online.
