Say goodbye to magnetic CTA cards starting May 1

To clarify a story in Tuesday's edition, May 1 marks the date for the latest changes to the Ventra fare system.

Changes are coming for CTA and Pace riders as the agencies switch to Ventra, the new fare system.

Effective May 1, CTA magnetic stripe fare cards will no longer be sold and customers will no longer be able to reload Chicago Card or Chicago Card Plus products.

The two agencies will complete the transition to Ventra by July 1.

In the meantime, the CTA is holding information sessions from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through July 1 at its headquarters, 567 W. Lake St., Chicago, where riders can obtain Ventra cards and transfer balances from old cards.

Pace will be announcing a number of Ventra Card distribution dates soon.

Riders can purchase a Ventra card from CTA rail stations or at retailers in locations in the city and suburbs, including certain Jewel-Osco stores. Cards are also available by phone at (877) 669-8368 or online at www.ventrachicago.com.

The next major switch-over date is June, when riders will no longer be able to reload magnetic stripe cards. In addition, Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus products will be discontinued.