Originally Posted by
andrewesque
...I don't think this is correct (now) -- the
CTA and
Ventra pages on paying via phone now indicate that transfers are included when paying with "pay as you go" credit, so your total cost should be the same as if you were paying with a Ventra card, i.e. $7.50 ($5 for the trip from O'Hare, then $2.25 + $0.25 for the return trip).
...
All in all, if you are an infrequent visitor to Chicago it seems like paying with your phone is the most convenient/economical option. (I like collecting these kinds of cards myself so I'd probably get the card, which also has the advantage of recording your transit history.)
You are correct, I was reading old information. It appears now, its the same rate. I used NFC, cost $5 from O'hare on the L and $0.25 for the bus. I thought the $5 would include a transfer but I guess not. If it is the same rate, I'm not sure why anyone would ever buy a card anymore if using NFC (Phone or wireless card) costs the same or less). My plans ended up changing for my return and I didnt use CTA.
I too like collecting these kinds of cards myself though, usually from other countries though.