[il-talk] Ventra Advocacy

[Kelly Pierce]

The CTA has increased the volume on Ventra fare machines.  This is a
significant improvement from the past.  At this new volume level, it
is possible to hear the instructions and complete a transaction if
someone stands directly in front of the speaker.  It can be fully
heard through headphones. If folks feel additional advocacy should
occur on these Ventra fare machines, please let me know.  I realize
the machines lack an orientation to the various components as required
by the ADA, such as the cash insertion slot and card reader. On the
other hand, it is unclear if most blind people would be using these
machines independently to load Ventra fares.  Very friendly and
helpful customer assistants staff each station.  Further, Ventra is a
complete fare system, not just the vending machines.  Money can be
added to Ventra accounts at several thousand retail locations,
including at most CVS and Walgreen’s stores. Money can also be added
by telephone or online using a credit or debit card.  The telephone
call center is open 24 hours a day.  Additionally, the Ventra system
allows money to be automatically added to a Ventra account when the
value falls below $10.  I have been able to successfully configure my
Ventra account online with this functionality using Firefox version
30.  This functionality could also be added by telephone using the
Ventra call center.  Initial rollout problems with Ventra website
accessibility and unknowledgeable call center workers have been
eliminated based on my own experience and from reports by others.

With all of these options, fare machines may be used very little.  If
additional Ventra advocacy is needed at this point, please offer
feedback.

Kelly