Chicago Finally Accepts Credit Cards on Buses and Trains

Chicago has finally given up on its people's demands. Now, Chicago Transits are studying on accepting credit cards on the trains and buses operated by the city. This way of paying ones transportation was piloted in the city of New York. Based on the article released by Chicago Tribune on June of this year, Chicago Transit Authority, which is otherwise known as CTA, has now finally the recognized the multiple saving capabilities that one may achieve when using the new credit card technology on paying for the city's public transportations fares such as in the city operated buses and trains.

From the study conducted by Chicago Transit Authority, they found out that it usually takes about 25 seconds to pay for bus rides when using cash. This regular bus transaction, however, changes and even takes longer especially when the bus stops at a busy area where there are a lot of people who pays up using bills which required to be changed. On the other hand, a simple credit card swipe only takes about 2 seconds. In New York, with the usage of the contactless credit cards, it takes less than a second to pay up for one's bus fare. This would really save up a lot of time and energy for both the driver and the citizens.

Although there are a lot of people in Chicago who pay for their rides with cash, it still takes a lot of time since sometimes it delays their route and causes miss connections. The officials of CTA plan to ask and propose to other transit companies to allow the usage of the credit card technology in their buses and trains. They say that this would allow uniformity in the city and they would be like the other advancing cities in the country. This would also help them arrive at their destinations on time and would help people in Chicago arrive at their aimed location earlier rather than being late. This would also help Chicago, the Windy City of the United States of America, be more tourist friendly and would help tourists as well as citizens go about the city easier and faster than it usually was.

However, there is still one problem that this new technology faces. The usage of cash instead of credit cards in bus and train fares would lighten the weight of credit card debts on the shoulders of the citizen. Now, using credit cards in paying for ones ride may save him travel time, but it adds up to his debts.

Jennifer Brown

Jennifer Brown, an external business consultant working with a Fortune 500 company, has years of experience to her credit. Despite having a busy schedule through the day, she takes time out to write articles dealing with credit cards, payday loans and other financial aspects. She has completed her Bachelor degree in Financial Services from Columbia University and has been actively involved in various activities for the betterment of society.