RTA Passes for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

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RTA Reduced Fare and Ride Free Permit Card

 

The RTA Reduced Fare Permit card allows older adults, ages 65 or older, qualified people with disabilities and Medicare recipients to ride all fixed-route services, including Metra trains, Pace buses, and CTA buses and trains, at a reduced rate. More information on the RTA’s Reduced Fare permit can be found here.

The Ride Free permit provides free rides on Metra, Pace and CTA fixed routes for low-income Illinois residents who are enrolled in the Illinois Department of Aging Benefit Access Program. The RTA issues Reduced Fare and Ride Free permit cards online and in-person. More information on the RTA’s Ride Free permit can be found here.

Customers can now apply online at RTA Fare Programs Online

Customers can also register at one of the region’s RTA’s processing centers or in person at Schaumburg’s Atcher Municipal Center. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are also welcome. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Transportation Department at (847) 923-3861.


Who Can Apply

Reduced Fare Permit Card - All individuals 65 years and older or individuals with disabilities. Note that Seniors may apply within three (3) weeks of their 65th birthday.

Ride Free Permit Card - Individuals 65 years and older and individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program. Applicants must be enrolled in the Benefit Access Program before applying. Schaumburg residents can enroll in the Benefit Access Program at your local township.

For 2023, annual income requirements to be eligible for the Benefit Access Program are as follows.  Income requirements are set by the RTA and can be verified here.

  • Household containing one person less than $33,562
  • Household containing 2 persons less than $44,533
  • Household containing 3 or more persons less than $55,500

How to Apply

Where to Go:

Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center
101 Schaumburg Court
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

The Transportation Department is located at the lower level of the building. Please call (847) 923-3861 or email vostransportation@schaumburg.com if you require special assistance. For persons requiring an elevator, please enter the building at the main entrance by the flag pole.

What to Bring:

A photo ID - Only requirement if you are a Senior applying for the Reduced Fare Permit Card.

    • Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID); cannot be expired within six (6) months of application date 

Proof of Disability (If Applicable). Choose one of the following options below and bring the required documents (no more than 12 months old) to apply. Staff will then make a copy of the documents.

  • Social Security Validation:
    • A current printout of their Social Security Benefits statement that states the words, "disabled individual" or the letters "DI" after their Social Security number of claim number.
  • Medicare Validation:
    • A copy of your Medicare Card (NOT Medicaid), and;
    • A current Social Security Benefit Statement
  • Veterans Validation:
    • If the applicant has a service-connected disability, he/she must submit a copy of a benefit letter from the Veterans Administration.
  • Doctors Validation - Must be filled out before you apply:
  • State Disability ID Card:
    • Applicants can provide a copy of their State of Illinois ID card that was issued due to a disability. The word DISABLED appears on the face of the card.

*A benefit verification letter or Social Security Benefit Statement can be obtained by calling the Social Security administration office at 800-722-1213, by visiting any Social Security Administration Office, or online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount

The Village of Schaumburg Transportation Department will:

  • Complete an online application on RTA's website
  • Scan a copy of your ID and any other required documents
  • Take your picture

A confirmation print out will be given to you that you can use temporarily. The RTA will create the Reduce or Free Fare Permit ID and mail it to your home address provided on the application. If an email is provided at the time of application, you can track the status of your RTA card through the RTA website.

Allow up to three (3) weeks from the application date to receive your Card. If you do not receive it within this time frame, please call RTA Customer Service at (312) 913-3110

How to Use

  • Tap the permit when boarding CTA and Pace buses and CTA trains.
  • Display the Ride Free permit on board the train when riding Metra
  • Reapply every other year for Benefit Access Program eligibility before receiving a new permit when your permit expires. 

Replacement Cards

If your Card is lost or stolen, you must fill out a replacement application, which can be completed through RTA's website. The fee is $5 for the first replacement and $10 for each additional replacement. It is not necessary to submit another photograph and picture ID.


Expiring or Expired Cards

Your permit is valid for up to four years for reduced fare and up to two years for ride free. You will be notified by the RTA when it is time to renew your permit card with instructions on how to renew.  You may need to provide updated information to the RTA to complete your renewal.  If your card has already expired, you will need to reapply at RTA Fare Programs Online.

Customers can also reapply at one of the region's processing centers or in person at Schaumburg’s Village Hall.


Ride Free Program Changes

View more information on updates and changes to the RTA Free and Reduced Fare permit cards: RTA Fare Programs for Seniors and Disabled Persons.