Archived Updates

These updates have been archived due to program or procedure changes and this tab may be used as a reference.

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1/2025: Changing from Access or Reduced Fare to Ride Free using the RTA Fare Programs Online Portal

Since the RTA Fares Programs Online Portal has been launched, the registration sites have not been able to submit customers' applications for those changing from Access or Reduced Fare to Ride Free. The only option has been submitting paper applications through USPS mail. Starting 1/1/2025, RTA Registration Sites can process customers with Access or Reduced Fare Permits to Ride Free Permits through the Fares Program Online Portal (fares.rtachicago.org). 

• Customer with an active Access Permit changing to Ride Free:  

When a site processes an application through the portal for those with an active Access Permit, they will be prompted with a replacement or Reduced Fare option. The Registration Site should proceed with the application as a Reduced Fare. You will upload the customer’s valid government-issued ID (State ID, Driver’s License, or Chicago CityKey card) and a document with the title name of “Customer Newly Approved for BAP”. The document should state that in the body as well. This will alert our processing center to process the application as a Ride Free Permit.  

• Customer with an active Reduced Fare Permit changing to Ride Free:  

When a site processes an application through the portal for those with an active Reduced Fare Permit, they will be prompted with a replacement. The Registration Site should proceed with the application as a replacement. You will upload the customer’s valid government-issued ID (State ID, Driver’s License, or Chicago CityKey card) and a document with the title name of “Customer Newly Approved for BAP”. The document should state that in the body as well. This will alert our processing center to process the application as a Ride Free Permit.  

• Customer with an expired Reduced Fare Permit changing to Ride Free:  

When a site processes an application through the portal for those with an expired Access or Reduced Fare Permit, they will be prompted with a Reduced Fare option. The registration site should proceed with the application as a Reduced Fare. You will upload the customer’s valid government-issued ID (State ID, Driver’s License, US Passport, Consular ID, or Chicago CityKey card) and a document with the title name of “Customer Newly Approved for BAP”. The document should state that in the body as well. This will alert our processing center to process the application as a Ride Free Permit.

• Card was not processed as a Ride Free Permit: 

In the event the card was not processed as a Ride Free Permit, the customer can contact RTA Customer Service at 312-913-3110, or the registration site can reach out to their RTA contact (with a signed Release of Information) to correct this. Since the government-issued ID was uploaded and the application was completed, it can be fixed easily. This will be a temporary fix while portal 2.0 is being designed.  

For step-by-step directions on how to submit this through the RTA Fare Program Online portal, review this recorded demo from the March 2025 webinars. *Please note with the launch of RTA Fare Program Online Portal 2.0, it allows you to switch programs and eliminates this process.