CHICAGO – Elementary and high school students in the Chicago area can ride Metra, Pace and CTA for free on Monday, August 26, the first day of school.
All students in kindergarten through 12th grade, whether attending a private or public school, are entitled to free rides between 5:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Adults accompanying students also travel free.
For the rest of the school year, students can ride the CTA between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. at a reduced fare of 75 cents. Outside of school hours, elementary school students ages 7 to 11 pay a reduced fare of $1.10 for bus rides and $1.25 for rail rides. Students ages 12 and older pay the full fare of $2.25 for buses and $2.50 for rail rides. Children ages 6 and under ride free when accompanied by a paying customer.
Metra will continue to offer reduced fare tickets to elementary and high school students after the first day of school. Students must present a valid student ID or a certificate from their school on official letterhead when using reduced fare tickets. Children ages 7 to 11 are also eligible for reduced fare tickets, and children under 7 ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Pace offers a $30 student discount pass that allows unlimited rides for 30 days. Students can also use their Student Ventra Card to pay a $1 discount fare with free transfers. Students can pay with exact change and ride for $1.10 upon presentation of a student ID. On Pace Premium routes, students can use their 30-day discount pass for an additional $1.10.
Please note that transfers are not possible when paying in cash. For more information, visit the Pace website.
Statements from CTA, Metra and Pace:
“We are pleased to continue this special back-to-school tradition for students in the Chicago area,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “An affordable and convenient ride on the first day can help set the stage for a successful school year.”
“We are pleased to help families get a positive start to the school year by offering free rides to students who take Metra to class,” said Jim Derwinski, CEO and general manager of Metra.
“Back to school sets the tone for the entire year, and Pace is committed to ensuring that all students across the region can start the year on a positive note,” said Melinda Metzger, Pace’s executive director. “Free back to school rides are one small step to support our students’ success in the coming year and help encourage independence and lifelong transit use.”
