Yes, you can use one Ventra card to pay for multiple riders on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains. For buses, you’ll need to inform the driver you’re paying for others and follow their instructions, and for trains, you can tap the card once for each additional rider. You can pay for up to six additional riders with your Ventra card.
Can I tap one Ventra card for more than one rider?
How it works
- Buses: Tell the bus driver you’re paying for others and follow their instructions, which may involve them pressing a button on the farebox for each additional rider.
- Trains: At train stations, each person in your group should tap the Ventra card on the reader, and the fare will be deducted for each tap.
- Important: Passes on a Ventra card only cover the first rider. You’ll need to load transit value onto the card to cover the fares for any additional riders.
Key points
- You can pay for up to six additional riders with one Ventra card.
- Ensure you have enough transit value loaded onto the card to cover all fares.
- Transfer options (reduced fare for a second ride within two hours) may not be available when using one card for multiple riders.