Seniors Circuit Ride Free & Reduced Fare Program Updates
Seniors who are currently enrolled in the Seniors Ride Free program can continue to ride fixed-routes without interruption. However, there are changes that will take place in the program based on a new law that amended the RTA Act.
The Seniors Ride Free program will now be known as the Seniors Circuit Ride Free program and the Seniors Reduced Fare program. Only seniors enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging's Circuit Breaker Program will qualify for free rides on the transit system's fixed routes. All other seniors who do not qualify with the Circuit Breaker program will receive a Reduced Fare permit.
To be eligible for the Circuit Breaker program, a senior must be age 65 or over and meet household income eligibility, ranging from $27,610 or less for an individual, $36,635 for a two-person household to $45,657 for a household of three or more people. To apply for the Illinois Circuit Breaker program, visit www.cbrx.i1.gov or call 800-624-2459 to request an application.
Seniors that transition to reduced fare cards will be able to put money on their card prior to boarding their CTA bus or train, Metra train or Pace bus. Seniors can load and replenish funds on their reduced fare cards at any CTA vending machine. Metra riders must display their Senior Circuit Ride Free or Reduced Fare cards to Metra ticket agents or conductors to pay half fare. Reduced fare is approximately half of the regular fare. Please refer to the CTA (www.transitchicago.com), Metra (www.metrarail.com) or Pace (www.pacebus.com) websites for specific fare information.
Starting September 1, the previous Seniors Ride Free card will no longer be accepted on any CTA train or bus, Metra train or Pace bus.
The new Senior Circuit Ride Free and Reduced Fare cards will only be accepted on CTA trains or buses, Metra trains or Pace buses. If you did not receive your new card by August 15, please call 312-913-3110. A customer service operator is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
For more information about changes to the Seniors Ride Free program, visit www.RTAchicago.com. If you meet age and income eligibility requirements and wish to apply in the Illinois Circuit Breaker program, visit www.cbrx.il.gov or call 800-624-2459 to request an application. Applications filed online take approximately 6 weeks to process. Paper applications (IL-1363) take approximately 4 months to process. Processing may be delayed if there is a need to request additional information.