CTA cracks down on fare card fraud

CHICAGO (WLS) -- CTA officials are investigating the alleged misuse of fare cards intended for senior citizens and those who are physically impaired.

Most of the fraud is happening at the Clark and Lake train station, the Chicago Transit Authority said. Paying customers say it makes them feel cheated.

"It actually makes some angry because you are actually following the rules," Amparo Sostenes said.

"It's wrong. If it is a free card for them, it needs to be used for them," Anthony Brown said.

The CTA said people are abusing cards that are funded by tax dollars and meant for seniors, students and the disabled.

"I want to ask those not using the cards properly to stop using the cards fraudulently," Greg Polman, Chicago Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired, said.

In a handful of cases, CTA video images show people collecting a dollar from other riders and then letting them through the train turnstiles with a reduced-fare or free ride card. Suspects have been cited and fined.

The second problem is more widespread, CTA President Forrest Claypool said.

"We found a woman in her 20's using a senior citizens card. We found a son using his mom's card. A card found being used by a cardholder's spouse," he said.

Since October, 1,800 cards have been confiscated from people allegedly letting unqualified friends and family members use their low cost or free CTA cards.

"We are going to send letters to the owners of these cards saying your card was collected at a rail station because it is being used by someone who is not you. Can you verify that this is your card? Was it lost or stolen? Did you lend it to somebody or are you just really unable to explain?" CTA spokesperson Brian Steele said.

Repeat offenders can have their privileges permanently revoked.

In a third investigation, the CTA said an audit with the RTA revealed that there are another 6,400 cards flagged with an unusual high amount of activity. Some of those cards are being used 10 times per day, they said.