CTA offers Chicago students reduced rate on school days

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Transit Authority reminds Chicago students and parents to obtain student Ventra cards from their schools to take advantage of the reduced student rate: 75 cents a ride.

Students, age 7-20, who attend public, private, parochial or charter schools in Chicago are eligible for the special rate. The reduced fare also includes up to two transfers within a two-hour window for only 15 cents during school hours.

The rate is intended for trips to and from regular day classes and is only available from 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014.

Chicago Public School students who need a new student Ventra card should obtain one from a school administrator at the school where they are registered. If students already have a card from last year, the fare will be automatically deducted when fall classes begin.

Students attending private, parochial and charter schools should also obtain student Ventra cards a school administrator at the school where they are enrolled, if the school has signed up to distribute the cards.

If a school does not distribute student Ventra cards, students and parent can download an online form to fill out and bring to school. Once the school has validated enrollment, students and parents can mail the form to Ventra at the address below. A card will be sent to the school for student pickup.

Ventra Services

P.O. Box 8291

Chicago, IL 60680

Personal checks, money orders and cashier's checks should be made payable to: Chicago Transit Authority

More than 115,000 students ride the CTA on an average weekday. About 25.6 million students ride at the reduced rate throughout the academic year, according to CTA officials.

Mayor Ram Emanuel and CTA President Forrest Claypool reduced the fare by 10 cents last year, to make public transit more affordable for Chicago students.