CTA Cracking Down On Misuse Of Reduced Fare Transit Cards
CHICAGO (CBS) -- CTA president Forrest Claypool says misuse of reduced and free transit cards is both immoral and costly to the agency so he's cracking down on the $2.8 million annual scam.
"We found a person in their twenties using a senior citizen's card," Claypool said.
Claypool says 1,800 cards used fraudulently have been collected in the last five weeks alone.
"We found a son using his mother's card. We found a card being used by the cardholder's spouse. These cards are only to be used under the regulations by an issued card holder," Claypool said.
While the $2.8 million projected loss is but .02 percent of the CTA's budget, Claypool, says integrity of the system demands cards only be used by their rightful owner.
He says the CTA is increasing spot checks and sending warning letters to reduced and free pass users who'll find the cards suspended if the rides they represent are gives or sold to others.