CTA Partners With Groupon To Sell Discounted Passes

The Chicago Transit Authority joined forces with Groupon this summer to offer discounted three-day passes, a potential win for all involved.

The CTA's first-ever partnership with a daily deals site means an additional $1.8 million in immediate revenue for the agency and a hot deal for riders. Groupon will purchase 250,000 passes at a discount and sell the normally $14 passes for $9.

"This innovative deal is exciting in many ways," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement. "It will generate nearly $2 million of immediate additional revenue for CTA, it will introduce and attract new potential customers to CTA, and is an innovative example of the government and business community working together to benefit the entire city."

That means fast extra cash and potentially more riders for the CTA, a sweet whole-sale deal for Groupon at $7.53 per card and a short-term discount for commuters. Additional bonus: Per the agreement, Groupon and CTA can hook up for another 250,000 passes for the same price in the next 12 months.

“This is a great way to unite two highly visible and respected brands,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. “This unique offer is an innovative way for the CTA to cultivate new, local customers and tourists in a way we’ve never done before. This is an innovative partnership, as this is the first time Groupon has partnered with a transit agency.”

The deal is expected to start at the end of June and will be limited to four passes per person. Groupon will advertise the deal in Chicago and on its travel site.

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