The Chicago Transit Authority's new parking payment system is perhaps a test and precursor to the "tap-and-go" fare payment system to board buses and trains. The CTA has promised to scrap the current proprietary-fare systems for an open fare system, where the rider would simply “tap” their contactless credit, debit and bank cards or CTA-branded prepaid cards on a card reader to board. The change is expected in come in 2014 under a $454 million contract to Cubic Transportation Systems.
In an attempt to sweep away negative public perceptions about the Chicago Transit Authority and downplay its monumental financial challenges, CTA officials are eschewing the agency's annual cries of fiscal doomsday in favor of an upbeat message.
Although commuters are rolling along in some of the oldest train cars in the country, Chicago's mass transit system is equal to or better than other big cities in cost-effectiveness and reliability, according to a "report card" from the Regional Transportation Authority. Despite antiquated equipment — 26 percent of the CTA and Metra rail fleet is running on borrowed time — the region's transit network placed well in almost all categories of performance.
The Chicago region's public transit system would lose $1.2 million a day in federal gas tax revenue — the equivalent of two new buses — if Congress fails to prevent the expiration Saturday of the nation's transportation spending legislation.
Looking to scratch up some extra cash, the Chicago Transit Authority will sell naming rights to CTA Bus Tracker and Train Tracker, the CTA Holiday Train, New Year's Eve Penny Rides and a program offering free rides on the first day of school for Chicago Public Schools students.
