METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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. 

More Management

AAAHI receiving METRO's Innovative Operator of the Year Award
Motorcoachby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.

Read More →
A New York MTA subway car with an open gangway
Railby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 16, 2026

New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion

Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.

Read More →
Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 14, 2026

NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program at First Board Meeting

The new regional transit authority appointed its first board chair and interim executive director while extending reduced fares across CTA, Metra, and Pace for eligible riders.

Read More →
From Checklists to Better Outcomes
TechnologySeptember 11, 2026

Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance

Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.

Read More →
A red, white, and blue graphic with the APTA logo and text reading "APTA Nominates 2026-2027 Chair & Vice Chair."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 10, 2026

APTA 2026 Nominating Committee Selects Leadership Slate, Names Chair and Vice Chair Nominees

Leadership changes will help shape the association’s priorities and its representation of the transportation industry during the 2026–2027 term.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DART's light rail station at 8th and Corinth
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative

The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.

Read More →
STraffic White Paper Cover Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.
SponsoredSeptember 9, 2026

Advancing Fare Collection Through Technology and Innovation

Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.

Read More →
A TransLink train goes by a large FIFA World Cup soccer ball structure.
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 8, 2026

Game Day in Motion: Moving Millions During the 2026 World Cup

Between packed transit stations and team motorcoaches, see how agencies and operators across North America tackled the transportation demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Surface Transportation Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap."
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 4, 2026

Surface Transportation Extension Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap

The stopgap keeps federal transportation programs moving, but missing advance funding could complicate the transit and rail projects agencies are planning next.

Read More →