CTA changes policy on electronic fare cards

The Chicago Transit Authority is reversing a policy that could have led to many commuters losing the balance left on their electronic fare cards.

There are more than 300,000 Chicago Cards and more than 50,000 will expire by year's end.

The CTA angered patrons last week when it said nearly 10,000 cards issued in 2003 will expire next month. It said customers could be held responsible for registering or reregistering cards before a deadline or risk losing their balances.

Under the new policy, customers who registered those cards will get replacement cards good for another four years. The CTA will mail them out before the old cards expire. Users who didn't register can turn in expired cards for a replacement any time without losing the value on expired cards.