How to pay bus fare?
 

Does the CTA subway card work in buses? I usuall buy a standard CTA card and add money to it. The CTA website only "Chicago Go" cards work in bus, but not sure if that is the same thing as a CTA subway card?

Short answer, yes.

There are two kinds of cards, the Chicago Card, which is a smart card, and the magstripe fare cards you can buy at L stations. Both work on buses and the L. What you're calling a subway card is the fare card I'm guessing. So, if you put value on it, you can indeed use it on buses.

Thanks, it is cheaper somehow to use the Chicago Card? If not, why have it?

It's not cheaper, however, value can be added automatically to the Chicago Card Plus when the value gets low by linking it with a credit or debit card. You never have to use a fare machine again. With the regular Chicago card, you can add value at the rail stations and I agree with you, there isn't much point.

Used to be cheaper with Chicago Card (and Plus), but isn't anymore. OP, if you don't live in Chicago, just get a transit card at a machine at an L station.

CTA also has passes: 1, 3, or 7 day passes may be good if visiting. These are good for 1 passenger, unlimited rides. A drawback which may not matter to you is that the passes do not work with PACE.

Just be careful to put the card in the right slot - I have seen novices put the card in the money slot and lose it. If not sure, ask the bus driver (or watch the people in front of you). Remember that the difference between the Chicago Card and the transit card is that you can go 'negative' on you Chicago card but not on the transit card - not enough money on the transit card and you cannot board.

Also, if you are not used to riding the bus, a couple of things for courtesy - have your fare (cash, transit card, Chicago Card) ready when you board the bus, don't fumble once you get on to find the fare - also move to the back of the bus if it is standing room only. Seats are not for packages/suitcases - so if the bus is getting crowded, move them off the seat for another passenger.

I think that people are afraid to use the bus but I use it in conjunction with the L everyday and it is pretty efficient and gets you where you want to go.

Good one! :D

;)

Thanks, I have just ordered my Chicago plus card online. I remember a few years ago if you added $20 to a transit card, you would get $2 back/free? I suppose they no longer do this? Or maybe I was mistaken.

You're not mistaken, they used to give a 10% bonus. You're also correct that they don't do that anymore.

Well, we have to pay for the well-to-do seniors' free rides somehow. (More leftover idiocy from Blago.)

Does the 25 cent transfer only apply to Bus to Bus ? Or will it work from Bus transfer to Subway?

Works for bus to L as well.

And, they have no control over whether the tranfer is logical or not. I use it all the time to complete a round trip. As long as you're within 2 hours you're fine.

I had hopes that this would go away, but the the dogooders sniffing "think of the poor seniors on fixed incomes" got their way and the exemption continues. How about "think of all the poor people who are actually working and depend on the CTA to get back and forth to work every day...." for a change. The system is underutilized during most of the day, how about a plan where seniors ride free except during rush hour!