With new funding from the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, transit agencies team up to make student fare policies more coordinated and affordable

New student fare policies and free rides on the first day of school, Aug. 24

CHICAGO, AUG. 14, 2026 - K-12 students across the Chicago region will start the school year with free rides on public transit and will experience a more coordinated student fare system that provides lower, more consistent fares across the CTA, Metra and Pace throughout the year.

The changes are among the first rider-facing improvements made possible by Northern Illinois Transit Authority's (NITA's) increased funding and responsibility for coordinating transit across the region. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will formally transition to NITA on Sept. 1.

Student fares on CTA and Pace will now be standardized at 75 cents per ride. The change reduces Pace's student fare from $1 to 75 cents. CTA and Pace will also expand student fare eligibility beyond school hours and the traditional school year to match Metra's existing student fare policies. Eligible students will be able to use the 75-cent fare at any time of day, year-round, with free transfers between CTA and Pace services within two hours. Metra will continue to offer reduced fares to K-12 students at all times.

Supported by additional funding provided through the NITA Act, the new policy is an early example of how NITA will use its regional role to make fares and services more consistent across CTA, Metra and Pace.

"As families across the Chicago region prepare for a new school year, students will be able to ride free on the first day of school and, moving forward, ride CTA and Pace for just 75 cents at any time, year-round, with free transfers between the two systems," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Made possible in part by new funding through the NITA Act, these more affordable and coordinated fares will help families save money and make it easier for students to get to class, after-school activities, jobs and more." 

"CTA's reduced fares for students have extended opportunities to our young people for years, and I'm thrilled we're coming together to build on that commitment," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "More affordable fares mean fewer barriers for students and families as they come together to learn, access support, succeed, and build for their futures right here in Chicago."

"We're proud to deliver one of the first tangible benefits of the transition to NITA: lower, more consistent fares for students across the region, just in time for back to school" said NITA Chief Transition Officer Maulik Vaishnav. "This is the kind of regional coordination riders can expect from NITA as we continue improving fares, service, safety and the overall customer experience."

NITA, CTA, Metra and Pace are also working together to provide free rides to K-12 students on Aug. 24 to mark the beginning of the new school year. Chicagoland-based Butcher Boy Cooking Oils is sponsoring CTA's first day of school free rides for the sixth consecutive year.

"The free rides we provide to K-12 students on the first day of school are small investments into big futures, and I want to thank our friends at Butcher Boy Cooking Oils, who have again covered the cost of students' first day rides this year," said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. "In addition, thanks to funding from NITA, students will ride on CTA for 75 cents at any time of day, year-round, whether they are going to school in the morning or to activities, jobs or programs in the afternoon. I am excited that NITA and the regional public transit service boards are working together for the benefit of young people across the Chicago region."

"A free ride to start the school year sets it on a positive course and introduces children and families across Northeast Illinois to the value, reliability, and convenience of our public transit system," said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski. "NITA's work to fund and coordinate fare policies across our three transit systems will increase accessibility and create more opportunities for our youngest riders."

"As students head back to class, Pace is proud to help make the first day of school a little smoother for families across the region," said Melinda Metzger, Executive Director of Pace Suburban Bus. "Lowering Pace's student fare from $1 to 75 cents will make a meaningful difference for families while giving students more opportunities to travel independently throughout the region," said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. "This partnership demonstrates what we can accomplish when the region works together around the needs of riders."

Students and families can find eligibility requirements and instructions for accessing student fares from CTA at transitchicago.com/students, Metra at https://www.metra.com/fares, and Pace at https://www.pacebus.com/fares.

-END-