CTA launches joint smart card program with car sharing company
07 January, 2009
category: Contactless, Financial, Transit
A single card will allow Chicagoans to ride Chicago Transit Authority buses or rails and unlock their reserved I-GO car thanks to an agreement between the CTA and I-GO Car Sharing. The program is part of CTA’s purpose to promote the use of public transportation by providing additional travel options for commuters.
“Taking public transit and using car sharing programs both support the same environmental principle of limiting the number of cars on the road while providing access to everyday activities,” said CTA President Ron Huberman.
A customer signing up for a new, individual membership from I-GO will be given the option to participate in the program and link his I-GO membership to a Chicago Card Plus. Up to 5,000 individuals who register online and who meet each program’s eligibility requirements will receive a single card that can be used to ride the CTA and unlock their reserved I-GO vehicle.
The CTA component of the Chicago Card Plus/I-GO cards will offer the same account features as a standard Chicago Card Plus, an electronic fare card with its balance maintained in an online account.
Currently, there are I-GO cars at nine CTA stops with plans to expand to more this year. Nearly every car in I-GO’s fleet is within walking distance of a CTA rail or bus stop.
I-GO Car Sharing is an affiliate of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, a Chicago-based non-profit.