Ventra mobile ticketing app to debut in 2015 for CTA, Metra, Pace riders

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ventra will launch a new mobile app to allow CTA, Pace and Metra commuter to pay for rides next year.

For the first time, users will be able to buy and display tickets on their smartphone using a Ventra account, or a credit or debit card.

The free app also allows users to add value, load passes, check a balance and get real-time alerts with just a few taps on their mobile device.

Eventually, the app will allow users to pay for rides on trains or buses simply by touching the mobile device to a Ventra reader.

Officials say the system will launch in phases starting 2015.