Forget Flashing Fancy Footwork, Can You Use Apple Pay on the CTA?
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish pizza, and... the CTA. Our beloved, slightly temperamental, public transportation system. But fear not, weary traveler, because this post is here to answer your burning question: Can you use that fancy new iPhone of yours to pay your CTA fare?
The Tale of Two Payment Options: Ventra and Your Own Credit Card
There are actually two ways to use Apple Pay on the CTA, and it depends on what kind of payment ninja you are.
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Become One with the Ventra: This is for the CTA purists. You can download the Ventra app and add your Ventra card to your Apple Wallet. Then, with a simple tap of your phone on the reader (think of it as a digital high five), you're good to go. Bonus points for impressing fellow riders with your futuristic payment skills.
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Go Rogue with Your Own Credit Card: Maybe you're a maverick, a lone wolf who doesn't subscribe to the whole Ventra card thing. No problem! You can add your trusty credit card to Apple Wallet and use it to pay directly at the fare reader. Just remember, you'll be charged a pay-as-you-go fare, which might not be the most cost-effective option for frequent riders.
Here's the catch: You can't use Apple Pay for Metra trains or Pace paratransit services. But hey, you can't win 'em all.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Seriously, Who Wants a Short Post?)
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Using Apple Pay is faster than digging for loose change. No more frantically searching your purse/wallet/bottomless abyss of a bag while holding up the line. Imagine the hero worship from your fellow passengers!
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It's secure. Apple Pay uses fancy tech to keep your credit card information safe, so you can tap away without worry. Just don't lose your phone, because that's a whole other can of worms.
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Be prepared for the occasional hiccup. Technology is great, but it's not perfect. Just remember to have a backup plan (read: some cash or a pre-loaded Ventra card) in case your phone decides to take a nap at the worst possible moment.
So, there you have it! The lowdown on using Apple Pay on the CTA. Now you can navigate the Windy City's public transportation system with ease (and maybe a little less stress). Just remember, tapping your phone is way cooler than wrestling with a crumpled up dollar bill. Unless of course, you're going for that whole "Chicago grit" vibe. No judgement here.
