You can find out about the Chicago Card and the Chicago Card Plus many places, but I thought a clear, concise article about it's benefits would be a nice feature for the site. There were also a few questions I had after reading all CTA's literature on it so I called and got them answered.
There are two types of Chicago Cards: Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus. Let me first outline the benefits they both have and then talk about their differences. Essentially, these cards are like the regular cards obtained from CTA vending machines except they have some extra features. They can be used on any CTA bus or train and any Pace bus route excluding route 835. To be honest, I don't know much about Pace buses but I looked up 835. It's the 'southwest suburban Chicago express'. It runs from all the way out in Orland Park to downtown with 10 stops along the way. I'm not exactly sure why this one was excluded.
But back on topic, both cards allow fares to be deducted by waving the card near a special sensor. This makes boarding faster and easier. Unfortunately neither work with any reduced fare programs. They have a life cycle of four years, after which you'll need to get a new one. The CTA operator I spoke with informed me that you will be able to transfer the remaining balance of an expired card to a new one, although this is nowhere in writing.
Both may be purchased online at The Chicago Card Homepage or on the 7th floor of the merchandise mart. When ordered online, allow 7-10 business days for shipping. However, I ordered mine Tuesday evening and found it in my mailbox Thursday afternoon. Each card costs $5. This is an activation fee and does not apply to your balance. Both card earn the standard $1 bonus for every $10 put on and have a $100 maximum balance. If either card is lost, you can order a replacement with your existing balance for a $5 fee. Both cards allow passback (letting two people into the CTA with the same card, charging the card twice).
Chicago Cards (no plus) are two shades of blue. They can be charged up at CTA vending machines. Think of it as a cash loading debit card.
The Chicago Card Plus is gold and blue. It does not recharge at CTA vending machines. When you sign up for this card, you link it to a debit card or credit card. After your balance drops to $10, your card automatically draws more money in a user-pre-specified increment of $10. The new draw is automatic, so you don't need to worry about it. The CTA's system will send you an email letting you know this has happened.
When using the Plus card, the turnstile monitor may reflect your balance inaccurately. If you'd like to know the correct balance you can log in and check your account online at the at The Chicago Card Homepage or by calling 888-968-7282 M-F 7a-8p. This card may incorporate the Transit Benefit Program. For more information on how, at visit this link.
Lastly, the Plus card can be used as a 30-day pass rather than a regular debit card if you choose. With this option, $75 is charged to your source and the 30 day period begins on the day of the first use. Similarly, all 'recharges' begin only after a 30-day period has expired and the card is used again to signal the first day of a new period. If you passback during this 30-day period, your account is charged normally.
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