CTA, Pace riders can no longer re-load old cards after June 1

CTA and Pace are reminding riders that they will no longer be able to re-load Chicago Cards or any magnetic stripe fare card after June 1.

The transit agencies will make a full transition to Ventra July 1, after which riders will not be able to use any old fare cards. The agency is waiving the $5 Ventra card initiation fee at many retailers until July 7, CTA officials said.

CTA said it continues to host customer service balance transfer events every Tuesday at CTA headquarters, 567 W. Lake St., Chicago, where customers can learn how to transfer old balances to new Ventra cards. Riders can also use cash on buses only after the July 1 deadline.