Riders are venting their spleen on social media about the rollout of Ventra, the new “open-fare” payment system that allows customers to use the same contactless card to pay fares on both the CTA and Pace transit systems. And the operator of @chicagoventra — a mock Ventra Twitter handle — is spoofing how officials are managing the bumpy ride, 140 characters at a time. Some of the gems include “VENTRA: Latin for Failure #Ventra” and even a detour around the problems: “Maybe if you just tried tying two squirrels to the bottom of your shoes, I bet they could run you home pretty fast. #Ventra #Chicago.”
Have you considered walking? #Ventra
— Ventra (@chicagoventra) October 7, 2013
Activating your #Ventra Card is easy! Simply visit our website, enter your Card number, douse your hair in gasoline and light it on fire!
— Ventra (@chicagoventra) October 7, 2013
Oh, like you're so perfect. Like you've never made a mistaek. #Ventra
— Ventra (@chicagoventra) October 8, 2013
Can't find your #Ventra access code? Just call 888-824-8802, select your language, then cry uncontrollably until you are disconnected!
— Ventra (@chicagoventra) October 8, 2013
Current hold time is 30-60 minutes, the perfect amount of time to reconsider every decision you made in your life that led to this moment.
— Ventra (@chicagoventra) October 9, 2013
Has your #Ventra Card been lost or stolen? Don't worry! They won't be able to activate it, either.
— Ventra (@chicagoventra) October 9, 2013
