August 20, 2012

Chicago Public Schools and CTA Announce Reduced Fare for Student Rides Extended for Full School Day

Reduced CTA Fares for Students Extended an Extra 30 Minutes to Accommodate Student Activities After the School Day Ends

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

CHICAGO – The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have partnered to extend reduced CTA fares for CPS students by an additional 30 minutes each day for the full school day, ensuring that students won’t need to choose between taking advantage of the reduced fare and participating in after-school sports or clubs. Elementary and high school students (aged 12 through 20) may now ride for a reduced rate on CTA buses and trains between 5:30 am and 8:30 pm.

“Getting our students to class on time each and every day of the school year is our priority, and many of our students rely on public transportation to travel between school and home,” said CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard. “This change by the CTA is an important one that continues supporting our students with the full school day.”

This extension went into effect on Monday, August 13, the first day back to school for CPS students in Track E schools. Previously, the reduced rate was only valid between 5:30 am and 8:00 pm.

“Extending the time students can use their reduced fare permit aligns with the extension of the school day,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. “The CTA is pleased to do its part for students who rely on public transportation to get to and from school and home, as well as football practice, debate team meetings, and other extracurricular activities.”

All students presenting a valid CTA Student Riding Permit can board at a reduced rate on weekdays, when school is in session, to travel to and from classes, work/study programs and on-campus extra-curricular activities. The permits are currently effective and can be used through Friday, June 28, 2013. Students can receive reduced rate fare cards through contacting their school or by calling 312.932.2923.

In 2011 the CTA provided approximately 25 million rides to students at a reduced rate. The agency has provided reduced rides to students since 1983 under a provision of the Metropolitan Transit Act.

 

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