CTA PASSES

Until December 1998, the CTA offered a Monthly Pass, valid for a calender month. But then, the new fare collection technology enabled the CTA to introduce new pass options, with greater flexibility. A 30 day pass is now available for $75, and a 7 day pass is available for $20. The period of validity is no longer necessarily restricted to a calender month or week, but begins with the first use of the pass. The automated fare collection equipment electronically "stamps" the time of validity on the card. In addition, the card reader prints the expiration date and time on the card.

This "electronic time stamp" concept was first introduced with the Visitor Pass. The Visitor Pass was first introduced in 1997, and was originally available at $5 and valid for 24 hours from its first use. The CTA later introduced 2 day, 3 day, and 5 day passes. The Visitor Pass is generally sold at museums and other tourist locations.

Similar to the Visitor Pass is the "1 Day Fun Pass", now sold for $5 at Currency Exchanges and supermarkets.

The "Link-Up" Pass is sold by Metra in conjunction with Metra monthly tickets, and costs $36 in addition to the cost of the Metra ticket. It is valid for a calender month, during weekday commuting hours only.

The "U-Pass" was introduced in 1998, provided to students at participating colleges and universities, and paid for through the student activity fees. It becomes money well spent, because it would cost more money if the colleges and universities instead decided to construct additional parking facilities.

The CTA employee passes also have magnetic stripes, enabling them to work in the new fare collection equipment. In addition, the "Customer Assistants" at rapid transit stations have special passes, capable of unlocking the turnstiles for special situations.