Ventra system available for Chicago-area commuters

Chicago Transit Authority and Pace commuters can officially use a new fare payment system.

The Ventra system launched on Monday, letting commuters in the Chicago area pay with Ventra cards or personal bank cards. CTA President Forrest Claypool says Ventra “replaces CTA's outdated, nearly 20-year-old fare-payment system.”

Ventra will replace all CTA and Pace existing fare media by Dec. 15.

CTA and Pace will have staff available this week to provide information, answer questions and help riders with the new Ventra vending machines. Ventra was first introduced to select customers last month.