CITY PROVIDES FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR TRANSPORTATION DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

City of Chicago Department of Transportation is working with Divvy to provide discounts on memberships, as well as single rides. Photo credit: Tia Carol Jones
City of Chicago Department of Transportation is working with Divvy to provide discounts on memberships, as well as single rides. Photo credit: Tia Carol Jones

City provides financial relief for transportation during the COVID-19 crisis

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Those who are designated essential during the COVID-19 crisis and who have to go to work in light of the stay-at-home order, can find some financial relief when it comes to transportation.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced assistance to alleviate the burden people who still need to travel, which includes first responders and healthcare workers. The assistance includes passenger credits and discounts.

“Chicago Department of Transportation is committed to ensuring Chicago’s robust and expansive transportation system works for all residents, particularly as we collectively navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 health crisis,” Gia Biagi, Chicago Department of Transportation commissioner, said in a release. “While many Chicagoans are working from home, there are still many of us who need to get around the city, and these price reductions are aimed at keeping everyone mobile as they continue commuting to work and seeking essential goods and services.”

One mode of transportation, Divvy, the bikeshare program, will have subsidized single ride and annual memberships through the city’s department of transportation until April 30. Cost will be $1 for a single ride; $15 for a day pass; and $49.50 for an annual membership, which includes unlimited 45-minute rides. Divvy also is launching a 30-day program to give workers free bikeshare rides. Bikes are being disinfected when they arrive at the depot as an added measure of safety to riders.

“While practicing social distancing, Chicagoans need to walk and bike to get around and lower Divvy rates makes that easier,” said Amy Rynell, executive director of the Active Transport Alliance.

Lightfoot said it is essential to provide transportation relief to individuals on the front lines, as well as those who need access to goods and supplies.

“Despite the challenges we face, Chicago is committed to ensuring reliable and accessible transportation for every neighborhood and community, and we are taking every measure possible to provide the pricing support needed to keep our residents mobile and our city moving forward,” Lightfoot said.

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is working on a financial subsidy to assist the taxi industry and to support the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle operators and taxis that provide rides for the Taxi Access Program, which will help ADA residents. Pace is waiving its $3 fare for its TAP rides, when riders present a TAP card to the taxicab operator.

And, while the CTA will continue its regular operation schedule, it will offer a prorated credit for unused days on 7-day and 30-day passes as a transit credit, which will be automatically added to the rider’s Ventra account.

“Transit services are critically important to Chicagoans who need to get around for essential services,” CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr., said. “We are committed to making sure our customers – and the people they serve during this critical time – continue to have the bus and train services they need.”

For more information about Ventra, visit www.ventrachicago.com. For more information about divvy, visit www.divvybikes.com.

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