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State Benefit·Illinois·🚗Transportation

CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)

Free rides on all CTA bus and rail services for veterans rated 10%+ disability.

Verified May 12, 2026againsttransitchicago.com

At a glance

Benefit type
Transportation — Illinois
Who it's for
Veterans
VA rating needed
10% or higher
Estimated value
$1,200+/year for regular commuters
Where it applies
Illinois
Last verified
May 12, 2026

What is CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)?

CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit) is a Illinois transportation benefit for veterans. Free rides on all CTA bus and rail services for veterans rated 10%+ disability. Requires 10%+ VA disability rating. The listed value is $1,200+/year for regular commuters.

Who qualifies

Veterans
  • Requires 10%+ VA disability rating
  • Illinois residency

How to apply

Apply through the official Illinois agency.

Open application

Who is eligible

Eligibility

Veterans receiving USDVA service-connected disability compensation of 10% or greater, OR receiving military disability retirement pay in lieu of USDVA compensation at a rate of 10% or greater.

What CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit) covers

Covers

Free rides on all CTA bus and rail services. Works only on CTA (not Metra or Pace).

Important to know

Official USDVA letter dated within the last 12 months indicating a service-connected disability of 10% or greater.

How to apply for CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)

How to apply

New applications: mail a completed application with documentation to CTA Ventra Military Pass Program, PO Box 8291, Chicago, IL 60680. In-person applications and replacements: Ventra Service Center. Phone: 877-NOW-VENTRA (877-669-8368).

Open applicationVerify at official source

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: transitchicago.com

Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

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Frequently asked questions about CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)

Who qualifies for CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)?▾
CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit) is for Veterans; requires 10%+ VA disability rating; illinois residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)?▾
Requires 10%+ VA disability rating.
How much is CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit) worth?▾
The listed value is $1,200+/year for regular commuters. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)?▾
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify CTA Military Service Pass (Free Transit)?▾
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.

Other Illinois Transportation

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Free specialty license plates for veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability without mobility impairment.

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