The CTA proposed Tuesday to hike the cost of one-, three-, seven- and 30-day unlimited passes including Chicago Cards that are used as 30-day passes.
Chicago Card users who pay per ride and those who pay with cash would not see an increase, which will take effect Jan. 14 if the CTA board approves the plan.
About half of CTA's riders use some type of unlimited pass, CTA president Forrest Claypool said. With the cost of the 30-day pass now at $100, instead of $86, it's time for all CTA riders to re-evaluate how often they use the CTA and how they should pay for the rides.
If a rider takes the train to and from work every weekday in January, it would cost $103.50 to pay per ride ($4.50 round trip times 23 weekdays). The 30-day unlimited pass would cost $3.50 less and the rider could use it on weekends too.
But if a rider takes the bus round trip each weekday (at $4 per round trip using a transit card and not cash), it may be better to pay per ride at $92 per month as opposed to the $100 unlimited card.
Riders also need to take into consideration that if they don't have an unlimited pass, they will have to pay $5 every time they ride the Blue Line from O'Hare.
Riders, take some time to evaluate what CTA pass is the best deal for you.