Access Program

Access Program

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) is proud to provide reduced fares to low income transit riders.

The program, which started in 2024, expanded regionwide in 2026 and allows residents of the NITA region who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Illinois Department of Human Services' FRESH Program to take CTA, Metra, or Pace at a reduced price. Applications are available at GetAccess.org.

The Access Program is an expansion of NITA's Ride Free and Reduced Fare programs, which will continue to be available to older adults and individuals with disabilities.

How is this different than the current NITA Reduced Fare program?

NITA's current Reduced Fare program is a federally mandated program providing approximately half-priced fare across all three regional transit operators – CTA, Metra, and Pace – for people with disabilities and adults 65 and older. The Ride Free program is a State of Illinois-mandated, means-tested program providing free public transportation for people with disabilities and adults 65 and older who qualify for the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program. NITA operates the eligibility process for both fare programs.

Eligibility for the Access Program is determined based on a person being a member of a household that receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or IDHS FRESH Program benefits.

Is the program available on CTA and Pace?

Thanks to the NITA Act, the Access Pilot Program expanded regionwide to CTA and Pace on October 1, 2026, and continues to be available for Metra.

Who is paying for the Access Program?

As of 2026, the program is being funded by new money from the NITA Act.

Learn more and get Access

Who is eligible?

How do I get Access?

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent news about the Access Program

Thank you!