CTA committee moves to make regional one-day pass and paratransit free-ride pilot permanent

The Chicago Transit Authority’s Finance, Audit & Budget Committee voted to place on the omnibus an ordinance adopting a Title VI fair equity analysis and making two fare-product pilots permanent, officials said.

Molly Poppy, the agency’s chief planning and innovation officer, told the committee the two pilots—the regional one‑day pass (a joint CTA/Metra/Pace product) and free rides on fixed‑route service for paratransit cardholders—were launched earlier this year and have shown early success. “The regional day pass has sold roughly 3,500 passes each month,” Poppy said, and free rides for paratransit cardholders have generated about 500 additional weekly rides on CTA since the October 1 launch.

Poppy said the agency completed a Title VI fair equity analysis, conducted as required by the Federal Transit Administration and CTA policy, and found no disparate impact on minority riders and no disproportionate burden on low‑income riders. “Given the success of these programs and the fair equity analysis confirming no disparate impact or disproportionate burden, we are seeking to make these fair programs permanent as part of the 2026 budget process,” she said.

Directors asked about product design and future options: Poppy said CTA already offers a 30‑day regional connect pass and is considering a seven‑day product to align with regional partners, but a three‑day pass is unlikely. Director Michelle Lee praised the programs and noted she had no questions; Director Rosa Ortiz moved to place the item on the omnibus and Director Neema Jha seconded. A roll‑call vote recorded unanimous committee approval to move the ordinance to the full board omnibus.

The ordinance, if approved by the full board as part of the omnibus, would make the two fare policies permanent and include them in the 2026 budget materials. CTA staff encouraged stakeholders to connect with planning staff for follow‑up details on implementation and coordination.