Ventra
| Location | Chicago |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2013 |
| Technology | |
| Operator | Cubic Transportation Systems |
| Currency | USD |
| Stored-value | Pay-per-ride and/or passes |
| Validity | |
| Retailed |
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| Variants |
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| Website | ventrachicago |
Ventra is an electronic fare payment system for the Illinois Regional Transportation Authority which replaced the Chicago Card and the Transit Card automated fare collection systems. Ventra (purportedly Latin for "windy," though the actual Latin word is ventosa) launched in August 2013, with a full system transition occurring in July 2014. Ventra includes several options for payment, including a contactless smart card powered by RFID, a single day or use ticket powered by RFID, a personal bank-issued credit card or debit card that has an RFID chip, or a compatible mobile phone. Ventra is operated by Cubic Transportation Systems. A smartphone app allows users to manage fares, buy passes, and also buy mobile tickets for Metra.