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CTA’S Promotional Pass Increases Ridership

Over 10 million rides have been taken using the three types of unlimited-ride passes since introducing the promotional discounts Memorial Day weekend.

by Staff
September 16, 2021
CTA’S Promotional Pass Increases Ridership

The promotional fares are available for purchase at Ventra Vending Machines at CTA rail stations, on the Ventra app, and on the Ventra website.

Photo: CTA

1 min to read


The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced that its ‘More Fun, Less Fare’ promotional pass discount has proven to to steadily increase system-wide ridership, according to the company’s press release.

The CTA extended the fare promotion last month to Nov. 25.

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Over 10 million rides have been taken using the three types of unlimited-ride passes since introducing the promotional discounts Memorial Day weekend.

The 1-Day Promotional Pass increased by more than 300% compared to the week prior to the start of the fare promotion. Weekly rides by customers using the 3-Day and 7-Day Promotional Passes increased by 44% and 75%, respectively, compared to May 2021.

CTA analysis shows that since the start of the promotion, riders who switched from pay-per-ride to an unlimited-ride pass increased their ridership by nearly 70%, on average.

CTA’s online survey found that 43% of respondents reported they rode a lot more with the pass and 20% of respondents reported that the pass got them riding CTA again.

CTA ridership is now averaging 770,000 rides on weekdays.

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The promotional pass products are a component of the CTA’s When You’re Ready, We’re Ready campaign, which launched in May to help attract new and returning transit riders.

CTA’s promotional discount on these popular unlimited-ride passes will continue to be available through Nov. 25. 

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