RTA urges seniors to activate Ventra cards

The Regional Transportation Authority has issued a reminder to seniors and people with disabilities that they should immediately activate their RTA Reduced Fare, Ride Free and ADA Paratransit Ventra permits.

Beginning July 1, magnetic stripe permits will no longer be accepted on Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace buses and trains. Customers who still have a balance on their magnetic stripe RTA Reduced Fare and ADA Paratransit permits are encouraged to immediately transfer their balances to their new Ventra permits.

Seniors and people with disabilities who are enrolled in the RTA’s Reduced Fare, Ride Free and ADA Paratransit programs should have received and activated their new Ventra permits. Permits can be activated by calling 877-450-5328.

Customers who have not received their new Ventra permits should contact RTA Customer Service at 312-913-3110.

Ventra is holding a series of balance transfer events throughout the region to help riders transfer any remaining balances from their magnetic stripe permits to their new Ventra permits. Customers can view upcoming balance transfer events and read the balance transfer rules online at www.ventrachicago.com/eventscalendar.

A mail-in option to transfer balances from old Reduced Fare permits to new registered Ventra cards also is available until Sept. 1. Mail-in forms and instructions to transfer balances are available online at www.transitchicago.com/mailintransfer.

Customers interested in enrolling in an RTA fare program can obtain an application at the RTA Customer Service Center, 69 W. Washington St., and on the RTA Web site at www.rtachicago.org/fare-programs.

Applications also can be obtained by calling RTA Customer Service at 312-913-3110.