Road Topic Tourism & Travel
Public transportation in Chicago is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. But do buses in Chicago accept cash? The answer is yes! Chicago buses accept cash as payment for fares.
In order to pay with cash on a Chicago bus, passengers must have exact change. Bus drivers do not give change for bills. That means if the fare is $2.50, passengers must have two $1 bills and two quarters to pay the exact fare. Passengers can also purchase a Ventra card, which is a reloadable fare card that will cover a single ride, unlimited rides, and even multi-day passes.
It is important to note that when paying with cash, passengers will need to board through the rear doors. This helps to reduce boarding times and keep buses running as efficiently as possible. When paying with a Ventra card, passengers can board through the front or rear doors, depending on the route and time of day.
When using a Ventra card, riders can easily add funds to their account by visiting a Ventra machine located at many bus and train stations. Funds can also be added online or by using a Ventra mobile app. With a Ventra card, riders can easily track their trips and spending, which can be useful for budgeting.
In addition to using cash and a Ventra card, passengers can also pay their fare with a contactless bank card. This option allows passengers to quickly and securely pay their fare by simply tapping their bank card on the farebox. However, this option is only available on select routes.
Overall, taking the bus in Chicago is an easy and convenient way to get around the city. Passengers can choose to pay their fare with cash, a Ventra card, or a contactless bank card. Whichever option they choose, they can be sure that their fare will be accepted on the bus.
Cashless Bus Rides in Chicago: The Advent of Tap-and-Go Payments
Chicago has seen the advent of cashless bus rides, with a tap-and-go payment system being implemented on all the buses in the city. This system allows passengers to pay fares with a contactless credit or debit card, or with a mobile payment app such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. The new system, which was developed by Ventra, has been designed to make bus rides more convenient for passengers and reduce the need for cash payments.
The cashless system works in a similar way to paying with a card at a store. Passengers simply tap their cards or mobile device at the reader located at the bus entry point and the fare is automatically deducted. The fare is based on the distance travelled, and passengers can also purchase passes and tickets through the Ventra app.
The tap-and-go payment system has been welcomed by passengers in Chicago, as it eliminates the need to carry cash or worry about not having enough change. Although some people may still prefer to pay with cash, the system is beneficial for those who do not carry cash or prefer to use a card or mobile payment app. In addition, it saves time for the bus operators, as it eliminates the need to wait for passengers to search for change and count out their fares.
The cost of the tap-and-go system is included in the fares, so there is no additional cost for passengers. The cost of a single ride is $2.25, and passengers can purchase tickets, passes, and transit cards for discounted fares. The Ventra app also allows passengers to view their history of payments and manage their account.
In summary, the new tap-and-go payment system in Chicago’s buses has made it easier and more convenient for passengers to pay their fares. The system has been designed to save time for the bus operators and eliminate the need to carry cash. The cost of the tap-and-go system is included in the fares, and passengers can also purchase tickets, passes, and transit cards for discounted fares through the Ventra app.
Chicago Transit Authority: Accepting Cash on Buses for Safe Ride Options
The Chicago Transit Authority is making it easier for residents to get around the city with the addition of cash-paying passengers on buses. Starting February 1, 2025 the Chicago Transit Authority will be introducing their new cash-on-bus program for riders who prefer to pay with cash. This will provide a safe and convenient way for riders to pay for their fare without having to use a card or electronic payment.
Cash payments will be accepted on the following routes, all of which can be found in the Chicago Transit Authority’s bus book:
- #9 Ashland
- #20 Madison
- #49 Western
- #66 Chicago
- #151 Sheridan
Riders are encouraged to bring exact change for their fare, as the drivers will not be able to make change. The fare for each of these routes is $2.50 per trip. Passengers can also purchase Chicago Transit Authority multi-day, 7-day, and 30-day passes for a discounted fare.
The Chicago Transit Authority is also introducing a new cash-on-bus ticketing system, which will allow riders to purchase tickets from the bus driver. These tickets are nonrefundable and can be purchased in denominations from $2.50 up to $7.50.
The Chicago Transit Authority is dedicated to providing safe and reliable transportation for riders of all kinds and is thrilled to be introducing the cash-on-bus program. This new program will make it easier for passengers to pay for their fare without having to rely on electronic payments or cards.
For more information on this program, please visit the Chicago Transit Authority website. You can find more information on routes, fares, and ticketing systems.
| Type of Fare | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Ride | $2.50 |
| Multi-Day Pass | Varies |
| 7-Day Pass | $28 |
| 30-Day Pass | $105 |
