Guide to Using Ventra with the CTA

Navigating Chicago's public transit? The Ventra card or app is your ticket to ride the CTA's buses and L trains. Here's how to get started and use it effectively, especially when paired with a real-time tracker like ChiTrack.

What is Ventra?

Ventra is the fare payment system for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace Suburban Bus, and Metra Rail. You can use a physical Ventra card or the Ventra mobile app on your smartphone to pay for rides. It replaces older magnetic stripe cards and cash payments on buses (though cash is still accepted with exact change).

Essentially, Ventra is your all-in-one pass for Chicago public transit. You load money or passes onto your card or app, then tap it on readers to pay your fare for CTA buses and trains.

Getting Started: Card vs. App

You have two main options:

• Physical Ventra Card: Purchase one for a small fee (often waived if you load value immediately) at Ventra Vending Machines (in L stations), participating retail locations (like CVS or Walgreens), or online. Register your card online or via the app to protect your balance if it's lost or stolen.
• Ventra App: Download the free app (iOS and Android), create an account, and add a digital Ventra card to your phone's mobile wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Pay). You can then pay fares by tapping your phone.

Many daily commuters find the app more convenient, but having a physical card as a backup isn't a bad idea.

Loading Fare and Passes

You need to add value or a pass to your Ventra account before riding:

• Transit Value: Load money onto your account like a debit card. The fare is deducted each time you ride. This is flexible if you ride infrequently.
• Passes: Purchase passes for unlimited rides within a specific period (e.g., 1-Day, 3-Day, 7-Day, 30-Day). This is often more cost-effective for regular commuters. Passes activate on first use.

You can add value or passes through the Ventra app, the Ventra website, vending machines, or participating retailers. Autoload is also available, automatically adding value when your balance drops below a certain amount.

Using Ventra on the CTA

• L Trains: Tap your Ventra card or phone (with the app in your mobile wallet) on the Ventra reader at the station turnstile. Wait for the green light and beep, then proceed through.
• Buses: Tap your card or phone on the reader located inside the bus near the driver when you board.
• Transfers: Ventra automatically handles transfers. When you pay a full fare, you get up to two transfers within a two-hour period. The first transfer is typically $0.25 (bus-to-bus, train-to-bus, bus-to-train), and the second is free (often bus-to-bus or train-to-bus following a bus-to-train). Train-to-train transfers within the same station are usually free.

Checking Your Balance

It's crucial to know your balance to avoid issues at the turnstile. You can check it via:

• The Ventra App (most convenient)
• The Ventra Website
• Ventra Vending Machines
• Tapping your card at any reader (it briefly displays the balance)

Why Pair Ventra with ChiTrack?

While Ventra handles your payment, ChiTrack ensures you use that fare efficiently. Knowing exactly when your train or bus is arriving means:

• Less Wasted Time: No more arriving at the platform only to see your train pull away. Check ChiTrack before you leave!
• Smoother Transfers: See real-time arrivals for your connecting route to minimize wait times during your transfer window.
• Stress-Free Commutes: Quickly access your favorite stops and see upcoming arrivals with just a tap or two. ChiTrack's simple interface gets you the info you need, fast.
• Plan Better: Easily check schedules for different routes or directions from your current location or any searched stop.

Using Ventra gets you on the system; using ChiTrack helps you navigate it like a pro.