Pace Bus Transfers: How Long Do They Last?

Pace Bus offers discounted transfer fares to riders who board a second bus or train within two hours of their first boarding. This transfer fare is only available when paying by transit value with a Ventra Card, and the correct amount is automatically deducted from the rider's Ventra account when they tap their card on the second bus or train. It is important to note that transfers are not available to riders paying in cash.

Pace bus transfers last for two hours

Transfers are not available to riders paying a cash fare. However, all riders using their Ventra account receive free transfers. The transfer is only applicable when transferring from one bus to another. The rider's second transfer is always free. There is no "third transfer"; in that case, the rider pays the full fare.

Riders can get discounted transfers with a Ventra Card

Pace Bus transfers last for two hours. Riders can get discounted transfers with a Ventra Card. This is the only way to get a discounted transfer, as transfers are not available to riders paying in cash. The Ventra Card is also available as a mobile wallet, app, and contactless bank card.

The discounted transfer is only available for the first transfer made by a rider. The second transfer is always free, but there is no third transfer. The correct amount will be automatically deducted from the Ventra account when tapping on the second bus or train. Riders do not need to show anything to the bus operator.

The Ventra Card can also be used to purchase passes. The 1-Day Pass, 3-Day Pass, 7-Day Pass, and 30-Day Pass provide unlimited rides on Pace and CTA buses and trains for their respective time periods (except Pace premium routes). The Pace 30-Day Pass provides unlimited rides on Pace buses for 30 days (except Pace premium routes). The Regional Connect Pass provides unlimited rides on all CTA and Pace routes (except premium routes) with no day or time restrictions.

Cash payments are not eligible for transfers

Pace Bus Service offers discounted "transfer" fares to riders who board a second bus or train within two hours of their initial boarding. This transfer fare is only available when paying by transit value with a Ventra Card. The discounted fare is automatically deducted from the rider's Ventra account when they tap their card on the second bus or train.

Riders who pay with cash are not eligible for these discounted transfers. Cash-paying riders pay a higher fare per ride than Ventra Card users and cannot take advantage of low-cost transfers to other buses and trains. Instead, they must pay the full fare for each individual ride.

The Ventra Card is the preferred payment system for Pace and the CTA. Riders are encouraged to register for a Ventra Card and create a transit account. This account can be used to load multi-day passes and transit value, and it also protects the user's balance if the card is lost or stolen.

While cash payments are accepted on Pace buses, they do not come with the same benefits as Ventra Card payments. Cash payments are not eligible for transfers, and riders will need to pay the full fare for each individual ride, even if they are transferring within two hours.

To summarise, while cash payments are an option for riders, they are not eligible for transfers. Riders who wish to take advantage of discounted transfer fares should use a Ventra Card and pay with their transit account. This will allow them to benefit from the discounted "transfer" fare when boarding a second bus or train within two hours.

The second transfer is free, but there is no third transfer

Pace Bus transfers are only available when paying by transit value with your Ventra Card. The correct amount will be automatically deducted from your Ventra account when you tap on the second bus or train. You do not need to show anything to the bus operator. If you are paying your fare in cash, transfers are not available.

When you board a second bus or train within two hours of your first boarding, you pay a discounted "transfer" fare on your second boarding. This discounted fare is only available when paying by transit value with your Ventra Card.

The second transfer is free. However, there is no third transfer. If you need to take a third bus or train, you will have to pay the full fare.

It is important to note that the availability of transfers and the discounted "transfer" fare may vary depending on the specific Pace route and the type of service you are using. Some Pace routes have different fare categories, and some routes are free.

Premium routes require an additional fee

Pace Bus transfers are only available when paying by transit value with your Ventra Card. The correct amount will automatically be deducted from your Ventra account when tapping on the second bus or train; there is nothing to show the bus operator. Riders who pay their fare in cash are not eligible for transfers.

Transfers are available for all Pace and CTA buses and trains, except for premium routes. The 1-Day, 3-Day, 7-Day, and 30-Day passes all include unlimited rides on all Pace and CTA buses and trains, except for premium routes. To ride a premium route, an additional fee of $2.50 is required ($1.25 with an RTA Reduced Fare card).

The Ventra Card can be added to your account in several ways. You can log in to your Ventra account, use the Ventra App, use Ventra vending machines, visit retail locations, or call 877-669-8368. Just be sure to have your Ventra card with you.

The Regional Connect Pass is available to holders of Metra’s unlimited ride monthly pass. This pass provides unlimited rides on all CTA and Pace routes (except premium routes) with no day or time restrictions. An additional fee of $2.25 is required to transfer to a Pace premium route ($1.10 with an RTA Reduced Fare card).

Frequently asked questions