owine Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Ventra to launch in August for Chicago Card Plus users and select other groups. Full roll out in September. http://www.transitchicago.com/news/default.aspx?Month=&Year=&Category=2&ArticleId=3183 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted June 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Ventra to launch in August for Chicago Card Plus users and select other groups. Full roll out in September. http://www.transitchicago.com/news/default.aspx?Month=&Year=&Category=2&ArticleId=3183 The interesting thing there (other than the transition schedule) is that the Press Release indicates that passengers will be able to transfer balances from old media to Ventra, but doesn't say how. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jajuan Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 The interesting thing there (other than the transition schedule) is that the Press Release indicates that passengers will be able to transfer balances from old media to Ventra, but doesn't say how. Apparently that will get explained as the time approaches for each targeted group to be transitioned. But it still makes for a good question when the Ventra buses roll out to spread the word on Ventra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted June 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Apparently that will get explained as the time approaches for each targeted group to be transitioned. But it still makes for a good question when the Ventra buses roll out to spread the word on Ventra. The other question being hashed out on the CTA Tattler is how the Transit Benefit Program is supposed to work, other than it will be on an RFID card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted July 10, 2013 Report Share Posted July 10, 2013 An Opus has been repurposed as the "Ventra Bus." https://twitter.com/VentraChicago/status/355068380375564288 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted July 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2013 An Opus has been repurposed as the "Ventra Bus." Now, can anyone get the number for the "retirement date" thread? Looks like 516. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juniorz Posted July 10, 2013 Report Share Posted July 10, 2013 So, can we assume that CC & CCP customers should begin expecting our Ventra packets in the mail beginning the week of July 15th? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted July 10, 2013 Report Share Posted July 10, 2013 So, can we assume that CC & CCP customers should begin expecting our Ventra packets in the mail beginning the week of July 15th? An email is supposed to go out later this month, followed by the actual cards in August. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geneking7320 Posted July 11, 2013 Report Share Posted July 11, 2013 An email is supposed to go out later this month, followed by the actual cards in August. I got an email today[i used the Chicago Card Plus as a 30day pass]. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juniorz Posted July 11, 2013 Report Share Posted July 11, 2013 Ok, so now i wait for Mine!!!!!!!!!!! Can't Wait to see how Ventra is recited by Riders, was there an official date where Ventra can be used? Might as well start the transition now instead of Spring 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted July 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2013 Ok, so now i wait for Mine!!!!!!!!!!! Can't Wait to see how Ventra is recited by Riders, was there an official date where Ventra can be used? Might as well start the transition now instead of Spring 2014 Is it being accepted by MCTS, since you have posted that you live near its routes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusHunter Posted July 11, 2013 Report Share Posted July 11, 2013 Now, can anyone get the number for the "retirement date" thread? Looks like 516. I wonder why they left the fleet number on it. I don't think it's retired, just repurposed as Kevin stated. It still has a farebox, but that may be for Ventra demonstration purposes. However it's life as a CTA revenue vehicle is probably over even if it's not official. It all depends on if the Novas get retired before the Opus'. If the Opus' hang around until the end of the Nova #6400's, #516 may actually go back in service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted July 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2013 ... It still has a farebox, but that may be for Ventra demonstration purposes.... The determinant may be whether it still has its seats, which certainly would be an obstruction to those trying to circulate in it to see the displays. As far as leaving the fleet number, looking at the picture in the tweet indicates that they just didn't wrap the front. BTW, Pace has posted a schedule of Ventra outreach meetings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusHunter Posted July 12, 2013 Report Share Posted July 12, 2013 The determinant may be whether it still has its seats, which certainly would be an obstruction to those trying to circulate in it to see the displays. As far as leaving the fleet number, looking at the picture in the tweet indicates that they just didn't wrap the front. BTW, Pace has posted a schedule of Ventra outreach meetings. How is Pace going to demonstrate, with a portable farebox? As far as #516, most of the seats in the front half of the bus lift for handicap access. They could probably get away with not removing the seats. There probably not using the back half of the bus. Leaving the fleet number to me indicates the bus has a chance to be back in service. It all depends on how long they are going to do the Ventra campaign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted July 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2013 How is Pace going to demonstrate, with a portable farebox? As far as #516, most of the seats in the front half of the bus lift for handicap access. They could probably get away with not removing the seats. There probably not using the back half of the bus. Leaving the fleet number to me indicates the bus has a chance to be back in service. It all depends on how long they are going to do the Ventra campaign. Whatever indication of the scope of the meeting is in the Press Release. Probably stuff like "where can you get a card in Homewood?" Theoretically, the fare box shouldn't be necessary, because Ventra users aren't going to be using it. If there needs to be a demonstration, it would be of the reader mounted to the handrail, but Pace indicated earlier that they could do that with a cell phone (in connection with reading cards on a paratransit vehicle). BTW, has anyone gone to The Taste to see what is in the bus? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusHunter Posted July 12, 2013 Report Share Posted July 12, 2013 Whatever indication of the scope of the meeting is in the Press Release. Probably stuff like "where can you get a card in Homewood?" Theoretically, the fare box shouldn't be necessary, because Ventra users aren't going to be using it. If there needs to be a demonstration, it would be of the reader mounted to the handrail, but Pace indicated earlier that they could do that with a cell phone (in connection with reading cards on a paratransit vehicle). BTW, has anyone gone to The Taste to see what is in the bus? It all depends on where Ventra shows the rider how much money is left on the card/time until a pass expires. That is currently done on a display on the farebox. Although Ventra might show it on it's own display. All that needs to be in #516 is a Ventra machine and reader. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted July 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2013 Moving Forward (Pace's newsletter) just suggested: "Heading downtown for the Taste of Chicago this weekend? Stop by the Ventra bus at the Jackson and Michigan entrance to meet Ventra representatives who can answer questions and provide details about the system and transition." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mel bernero Posted July 13, 2013 Report Share Posted July 13, 2013 Whatever indication of the scope of the meeting is in the Press Release. Probably stuff like "where can you get a card in Homewood?" Theoretically, the fare box shouldn't be necessary, because Ventra users aren't going to be using it. If there needs to be a demonstration, it would be of the reader mounted to the handrail, but Pace indicated earlier that they could do that with a cell phone (in connection with reading cards on a paratransit vehicle). BTW, has anyone gone to The Taste to see what is in the bus? Seating between the front and back doors has been removed. There are posters positioned in the open space. There is a table across the aisle by the back door for literature. The seating behind the back door is still intact and is used to store boxed of literature. Ventra personnel also had on display sample cards and tickets. Mel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
owine Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 I just got my email to confirm my address for Ventra. I have a CCP with a 30 day pass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Railwaymodeler Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Any word on what is going on to replace the circuitbreaker passes? From what I understand, the State of Illinois is making changes to the program, by eliminating the old program and replacing it with a new one. Beyond that, I have no idea what is going on. I have a circuitbreaker card and even I have no idea what they will do with these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted July 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Any word on what is going on to replace the circuitbreaker passes? From what I understand, the State of Illinois is making changes to the program, by eliminating the old program and replacing it with a new one. Beyond that, I have no idea what is going on. I have a circuitbreaker card and even I have no idea what they will do with these. Apparently it is the RTA's responsibility. They have mentioned seniors' cards, but not circuit breakers for the rest of the people. Maybe you should contact the RTA, like they would know anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Railwaymodeler Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 ..Maybe you should contact the RTA, like they would know anything. Which is precisely why I have not so far. RTA's (Mis)information center is pretty much worthless. Onetime a passenger who got on the 565 Grand bus at Washington/Sheridan (Where most routes terminate), said when he asked the RTA travel center of how to get from Washington/Sheridan to Grand and McAree, they suggested boarding the 2 PM 562, transfer at Grand and Jackson to the 565. Uh, why not just board the Grand bus at 2 PM then? Yes, they can be that dumb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted July 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Which is precisely why I have not so far. RTA's (Mis)information center is pretty much worthless. Onetime a passenger who got on the 565 Grand bus at Washington/Sheridan (Where most routes terminate), said when he asked the RTA travel center of how to get from Washington/Sheridan to Grand and McAree, they suggested boarding the 2 PM 562, transfer at Grand and Jackson to the 565. Uh, why not just board the Grand bus at 2 PM then? Yes, they can be that dumb. On that point, the travel center is using the stupid goRoo trip planner. GiGo. On the other hand, there should be someone in the office who doesn't have a disqualifying interest who is administering the plan. I admit, though, that that is a stretch. Also, I don't know if the RTA's reduced fare program page helps you or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artthouwill Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 On that point, the travel center is using the stupid goRoo trip planner. GiGo. On the other hand, there should be someone in the office who doesn't have a disqualifying interest who is administering the plan. I admit, though, that that is a stretch. Also, I don't know if the RTA's reduced fare program page helps you or not. The so called RTA travel center is actually a telemarketing firm contracted by the RTA. I once visited a couple of companies that had the contracts. I don't remember the names of the firms, but one used to be at 181 W Madison, and the other one was located at Lake Lasallle IIRC. The chances of finding a knowledgeable transit person there is slim to none Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busjack Posted July 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 Back to the topic, the RTA says it will be at the Pace Ventra outreach meetings. The one in your neighborhood is: Thursday, July 18, 2013 12:00 pm Lake County Waukegan Public Library Bradbury Room (lower level) 128 N. County Street Waukegan, IL 60085 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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