How to Apply for a Senior Ride Free Smart Card in Cook County, IL
In January of 2008, the Illinois legislature passed a new law that allows seniors 65 and older living in the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) area--Cook, DuPage, Mc Henry, and Will counties--to ride free on fixed routes. This includes The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace. Here are the steps needed to apply for a Smart Card.
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Instructions
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Go to any of the transit websites--RTA, CTA, METRA, or PACE (see Resources) for information on routes, schedules, the senior free ride program and local transit offices,
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To apply for your Smart Card, go to the RTA Customer Service Center located at 165 N. Jefferson, Chicago, IL or log into any of the transit websites--RTA, CTA, METRA, PACE (see Resources ) and click on "Senior Free Ride Program." There you will find a link where you can enter your zip code to find the nearest RTA office in your area.
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Go to your local Regional Transportation Authority Office (RTA) or the Customer Service Center. It is located at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago is opened Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (check your local RTA office for times of operation). Applications for Smart Cards are taken any time during hours of operation and you must apply in person and show identification.
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Upon arriving at the RTA Office you will need to show your state ID and fill out an application form with general information such as your name, age, address, phone and county for your Smart Card.
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Shipped via USPS, you Smart Card should arrive within 3 to 4 weeks. In case you do not receive or lose your Smart Card, contact the customer service office or your local RTA office for replacements. For lost Smart Cards, there is a $5.00 replacement fee for the first time and $10.00 for each additional replacement.
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Tips & Warnings
You need not apply for a Smart Card if you already have a Senior Reduced Fare Card. RTA is transitioning to replace all Senior Reduced Fare Cards with Smart Cards; in the meanwhile your Senior Reduced Fare Card will act as your Smart Card.
If you do not have a State ID with a photo, you can have your picture taken at any of the RTA offices, but some offices may charge you a $5.00 fee for this service.
