Chicago offers free rides to military personnel
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced that active U.S. military personnel and qualifying disabled veterans will be able to register for the new CTA Military Service Pass, which will allow them to ride free on CTA buses and trains.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced that active U.S. military personnel and qualifying disabled veterans will be able to register for the new CTA Military Service Pass, which will allow them to ride free on the system's buses and trains.
The creation of a Military Service Pass program was authorized by the Chicago City Council in February. Earlier this year, the CTA began offering free rides for active duty military personnel dressed in full uniform and began developing a Military Service Pass that could be used to register and identify eligible participants who are not in uniform.
Qualified disabled veterans and active duty military personnel not in uniform must have the CTA issued Military Service Pass in order to ride free. Active duty military personnel dressed in full uniform may continue to ride CTA buses and trains free without the new pass.
More Management

COTA Launches First Customer Experience Action Plan to Improve Transit Service
The new plan outlines improvements to service reliability, accessibility, communication, and the overall rider experience across Central Ohio's transit system.
Read More →
LA Metro September Ridership Climbs 3.9%, Led by Rail Growth
The agency recorded more than 27.2 million boardings, with rail ridership increasing 12.4% year over year and the D Line posting the largest gains.
Read More →
Utilimarc Launches SmartReplace to Optimize Fleet Replacement Decisions
AI-powered SmartReplace helps fleets prioritize vehicle replacements, model budget scenarios, and build more defensible long-term strategies.
Read More →
APTA Honors 2026 Award Winners, Hall of Fame Inductees at TRANSform & EXPO
Innovations in autonomous and zero-emission transportation, standout transit systems, and industry leadership took center stage among this year's honorees.
Read More →
7 Ways to Build a Better Transit Internship Program
Lessons from DRPA/PATCO’s approach to creating a meaningful internship experience—and developing the next generation of transportation professionals.
Read More →
Scenes from APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.
Read More →Building Stronger Leaders, More Resilient Transit Teams
Dr. Carol Parker Walsh discusses leadership development, employee retention, workplace culture, and preparing transit’s workforce for AI and automation.
Read More →
APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO Kicks Off in Chicago
After 45 years, APTA returns to Chicago with a focus on next-generation fleets, AI, connected transit networks, and the funding strategies shaping public transportation’s future.
Read More →
New York MTA Warns Federal Tariffs Could Add $1 Billion to Rolling Stock Costs
The agency said tariffs on specialized imported components could reduce the purchasing power of its $23 billion investment in new subway cars, railcars, and buses.
Read More →
From the Show Floor: What Happened at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
See the latest product launches, partnerships, technology updates, and transit industry announcements from APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago.
Read More →