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Parking and Transportation

Last updated: Public Relations Specialist | Thursday, March 15, 2012

RTA Senior Program

Recent legislation has changed the RTA's Seniors Ride Free program. Beginning September 1, 2011 the program will only be available to low-income seniors who are registered with the Illinois Department on Aging's Circuit Breaker program.

All other seniors may continue to ride the CTA, Metra, and Pace fixed-route services at half price, with a valid reduced fare RTA permit. Local residents may apply for the permit at the Downers Grove Township office, 4340 Prince St., Downers Grove, IL.  (630-968-0451.)

  • Existing Seniors Ride Free Permits will no longer be accepted on any CTA, Metra or Pace bus or train.
  • Only the new Senior Circuit Ride Free or Reduced Fare Permit will be accepted on CTA, Metra or Pace buses or trains. If you have not received your new Permit,  please call the RTA at 312-913-3110. The RTA's Customer Service Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more detailed information visit the RTA website or call RTA Customer Service at 312-913-3110.

How to Pay

On Grove Commuter Shuttle buses

Show driver your RTA permit and pay reduced fare by cash or check. Cash only for a one ride ticket.  Please have exact change.

On Metra 

Show your RTA permit and pay reduced fare by cash, check, or credit card. Cash only if purchasing from a conductor.  (Additional $3 charge may apply. )

On suburban Pace buses

  • Insert pre-loaded RTA permit, $.85 will be deducted. OR
  • Insert RTA permit which will flash no money on card, then pay $.85 cash.

 On CTA  buses or trains

  • Load dollar amount on your permit at CTA Transit Card Machines.
  • If you choose to pay cash on CTA buses, insert permit which will flash no money on card, your fare will be $1.00 instead of $.85. 
  • You cannot pay with cash as you board a CTA train. You must have money pre-loaded on your permit.

Reduced fare CTA transit cards may be purchased at participating merchants such as CVS, Dominick's, Jewel, and Walgreens.

General Parking Reminders

The following regulations can all be found in the Downers Grove Municipal Code.

  • Overnight parking on Village streets between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited.
  • Parking on sidewalks, or otherwise obstructing the sidewalk is prohibited and subject to a $25 fine.
  • When three or more inches of snow have fallen within a 24-hour period or less, parking is prohibited on streets and public parking lots between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

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