CTA to make regional day pass and free paratransit‑card rides permanent after Title VI analysis
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Summary
CTA staff told the board a Title VI equity analysis found no disparate impact from two fare pilots — a regional day pass and free fixed‑route rides for paratransit entitlement card holders — and the board placed the ordinance making the pilots permanent on the omnibus.
CTA staff asked the board to approve an ordinance adopting a Title VI fair equity analysis and to authorize implementation of two fare‑product revisions: the regional day pass (a joint one‑day product between CTA, Pace and Metro) and free fixed‑route rides for paratransit entitlement card holders.
Molly Coppi, chief planning and innovation officer, and Teresa Fletcher Brown, director of EEO and compliance programs, told directors the Title VI analysis required by the Federal Transit Administration and CTA policy found no disparate impact on minority riders and no disproportionate burden on low‑income riders. Staff said the regional day pass has sold about 3,500 passes a month since launch and that the free rides for paratransit card holders began Oct. 1 and have generated roughly 500 additional weekly rides on CTA fixed‑route service.
Directors asked whether the regional day pass could be offered for products longer than one day; staff said the agency already has a 30‑day regional connect pass and is exploring a seven‑day product to align with regional partners but expects alignment with Metro will influence available durations. Directors praised the pilots’ performance and voted to place the ordinance on the omnibus for board approval.
What happens next: The item was placed on the omnibus and recommended for board approval; if approved by the full board, the agency will proceed to make the pilots permanent and incorporate the changes into fare systems as part of the 2026 budget process.