CTA taps local technology group to test Ventra ticketing app

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and the Pace bus system are partnering with Smart Chicago Collaborative's Civic User Testing Group (CUTGroup) to test a new mobile app for the Ventra payment system.

CUTGroup will create a pool of testers to use the app to purchase fares, manage Ventra accounts and check real-time arrival and departure information from their smartphones, CTA officials said in a press release. The group will then provide feedback to the three agencies.

"We are very encouraged by the testing that we’ve conducted so far on the app’s functionality and its user experience, and believe that Smart Chicago’s contribution will enrich the development process and provide customers with the best transit app possible," said CTA Director of Fare Systems Michael Gwinn in a statement.

Testing with CUTGroup is in addition to "rigorous testing" the agencies are doing, CTA officials said.

The agencies anticipate offering the app in fall.