IDs For Undocumented Immigrants Will Also Function As CTA Cards, Library Cards

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 13, 2017 7:11PM



Getty Images / Photo: Tim Boyle

Chicago's previously announced upcoming municipal ID program will have an "unprecedented" accompanying feature, the city revealed today. Cardholders will also be able to use the ID for CTA transportation, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on Wednesday. They will also be integrated with the Chicago Public Library, and can be used as library cards, officials confirmed.

The Chicago Transit Board on Wednesday voted to approve the partnership between the City and CTA to integrate Ventra functions.

The ID program, which passed the City Council in April, will allow identification cards for undocumented immigrants, plus the recently incarcerated and the homeless. The intention is to make city services, cultural institutions and other benefits more accessible to those individuals. Cards are expected to be issued beginning in December.

"The [Ventra] move will make it easier than ever for all Chicagoans to access city services," reads a statement shared by Emanuel on Twitter on Wednesday.

Coming soon: Chicago's Municipal ID will be the first in the nation to allow residents to use them to ride @CTA buses and trains. pic.twitter.com/64XipQINBC — Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) September 13, 2017

CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. said in a release, "We believe that joining this program will reduce the barriers some residents may have to accessing transit in our City, which links people to jobs, education and opportunity."

City officials in March said the local government will not retain applicants' personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers or ID-verification supporting documents.

This post has been updated.