CTA Tattler

I'd happily use a Chicago Card if the CTA had a privacy policy. Their current policy seems to be, if the police ask for it, they get it. No warrants required. (I asked Carole Brown. Her response was quite unclear.)

It bothers me that the CTA seems to be fine with a 12% privacy tax.

I'd be fine with the free-card deal expiring if the cards weren't pieces of crap. Chicago Cards that have gone bad on me or my wife in the last year: 2. Similar cards used for our workplaces that have EVER gone bad, despite being used 2-3 time more and suffering more abuse: ZERO.

Same here, Mike. Even similar fare cards used with other transit systems hold up better than the CTA's and that doesn't make sense. The CTA doesn't explain the process clearly on the Chicago Card website about how the card replacement process will work, either.

If CTA has the Chicago Card (or Chicago Card Plus) for individuals that use a reduced fare permit, I'd be all over it. Shockingly enough, I've heard nothing about when they were going to offer the CC or CCP for reduced fare riders...anybody heard anything?

I'm amazed at all the "trouble" people seem to have with the Chicago Cards. My wife and I have both had cards for nearly two years and have never had to have them replaced. However, we keeps ours in our wallets at all times. Are people just throwing them in their pockets with their keys, gum, chap stick, etc.? The cards aren't like Faberge eggs but they aren't as sturdy as a piece of firewood either.

deepkid: As for the replacement process being unclear, what the heck are you talking about? Call the CTA (or visit in person or do it online), tell them your card was lost, broken, stolen, etc. and they will send you a new one (or you can pick it up in person if you'd like). The value on the new card will be the value of the old card at the time you report it minus a $5 replacement fee. This assumes you have a CC+ or a registered CC. If you have an unregistered CC, then you are out of luck (same situation as if you lost a magnetic strip card)

Agree with MC High Life. I've had my card for a year and a half and it still works fine. I keep mine in my wallet, and am usually able to swipe through without even opening my wallet up.

One thing I've noticed is that sometimes the sensor on the turnstile/farebox takes a second to recognize the card, so I just hold the card still until it debits the fare.

However, I often see people frantically moving their card in front of the sensor, as if the sensor will be more likely to recognize the card if it's whipping through the air.

I've had three of the CC+ fare cards. The first one broke (my fault). But the second one stopped working after about a year. Just stopped. It stays in the same pocket in my bag with nothing else and I only take it out to swipe it. And, as Mike said, I had a similar swipe card for my office for more than 3 years and never a problem. And believe me, those key cards go through a lot more abuse than the fare card.

Plus, when you have to have a broken or damaged fare card replaced, you have to wait for them to mail you a new card. YOu can't just go to the office to pick up a new one. Meanwhile, you're stuck paying the extra fare because you don't have the Chicago Card.

Carnivore, just get a Chicago Card. You can add cash and there are no privacy concerns.

Mel, I'm on my fourth card in 2 years. I keep it in a seperate pocket in my bag also. Maybe they *need* to be in our wallets with all those cards with magnetic stripes on them.