Advocating for Reduced Transit Fairs for Low-Income Riders in Chicago

A new report by the Active Transportation Alliance builds the case for reduced transit fares on all three transit systems in the Chicago region.

1 minute read

November 19, 2019, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago El

Jess Kraft / Shutterstock

"A leading transportation advocacy group wants CTA, Metra and Pace to cut fares in half for low-income riders, at a cost of $175 million a year," reports Mary Wisniewski.

That leading transportation advocacy group would be the Active Transportation Alliance, which released a "Fair Fares Chicago" report on Monday, November 18. The report argue that reduced fares would encourage more transit use and connect people to needed resources like jobs, school, and medical services.

More details on the proposal are included in the article, as well as skepticism from officials at the CTA that the transit agency could maintain a balanced budget while reducing fares. A "Seniors Ride Free" program instituted in 2008 caused budget headaches for all three transit agencies, according to Wisniewski.

Monday, November 18, 2019 in Chicago Tribune

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic Place Names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

October 31 - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight