Chicago Transit Question
 

We will be in Chicago for a week. We will take the train to and from O'Hare. I know we can get a $20 pass good for 7 days -- but is that 7 -- 24 hour periods or 7 actual days? In other words, when we buy it on Tuesday afternoon and use it going from O'Hare, will it still be good the following Tuesday in the morning going back out to O'Hare?

I am unable to find that answer on the website.

Meanwhile, I am almost positive that Lee's 7 day pass last time was at a senior discount. Yet I find nothing about that now -- only 30 day senior discounts. Has that changed, or am I just remembering that wrong?

Patrick, a "day" is a 24-hour period from when the pass is first used.

Seniors from Chicago now ride free on Chicago transit with a special card.
Maybe that's why senior discounts are no longer offered?

Here's the link:
http://w.transitchicago.com/news/cta...ticleid=101329

Ah, Eileen, I guess that explains it. Glad to know I wasn't dreaming that previous senior discount.

Citylights, OK. I know different cities and systems do it differently. Some go by the actual date rather than 24 hour period, so I wasn't clear which system Chicago uses. I do know that in New York a pass like that expires at midnight on the 7th or 30th day or whatever, rather than working on a 24 hour period. I thought it might be the same in Chicago.

NeoPatrick, read that link *carefully*. The Free Ride program doesn't apply to all senior citizens, only to those over age 65 and living in the RTA service region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Will and McHenry counties).

Yes. That's why I dropped it. I'm aware it isn't free for out of towners. We'll be buying two $20 passes for the 7 days.

Patrick,

Are you putting any get together with fodorites? I know you Mr. Naples, but I live in Chicago and would love to finally go to a fodorites meeting.

Well, no I haven't done anything about that. We're doing at least 5 shows and meeting up with friends, so don't have any evenings free so far as I know.
We also have matinees on Saturday and Sunday. But lunch on Thursday or Friday or Monday (Oct. 2, 3, 6)?

NeoPatrick,
Please let us know how you liked "Turn of the Century" We have tickets for 10/16 and haven't seen any reviews yet-I guess because it's in previews. I will be most interested in YOUR review.

You've picked a great time to visit Chicago-and it looks like a wonderful theater season. Wishing you and Lee a fine trip.

eileen, if you want to do some reading about Turn of the Century, here's a link to a Broadway.com discussion. I think you can read without registering.

http://tinyurl.com/52z727

Neo, not that I'm an expert on Chicago but if you'd like to eat at a great spot that I love it's...

321 Restaurant it's near the the loop area. Loved the food.

Have a wonderful time in Chicago.

Patrick, it's 7/24 since the time you first validate it in a machine. I validated mine in a metro station, not sure how it works if you use a bus first.

I had emailed Chicago Transit asking my question last Friday. When I didn't hear back, I posted here (about the date or 24 hour validity). Today I finally got an email back from them, saying what others have already confirmed. "The passes are per 24 hour period and are not date specific".