Sun-Times and CTA to Partner for First Day, Free Rides Program

Online, August 28, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Sun-Times Media today announced its sponsorship of the CTA's First Day of School Free Rides Program. Chicago Public Schools students will have a free ride on CTA buses and trains on Tuesday, September 4, the first day of the new school year for most CPS students, made possible through a partnership between Sun-Times Media and the CTA.

The agreement, which will last three years, is the first-ever multi-year sponsorship of the CTA's First Day of School Free Rides program. Sun-Times Media is contributing financial support and trade assets to the program, designed to promote first-day attendance for CPS elementary and high school students.

"Active engagement in our community is a top priority for the Sun-Times," said Michael W. Ferro, Jr., Chairman of Wrapports, LLC, owner of Sun-Times Media. "By providing free rides to CPS students on the first day of school, we hope to encourage strong attendance throughout the year."

"The Sun-Times is proud to become the first ever multi-year sponsor of this important program," said Timothy P. Knight, CEO of Wrapports, owner of Sun-Times Media. "Every student deserves to get to school safely and on time as the foundational first step toward a great education."

"The CTA is proud to partner with a local company which is investing in the lives of CTA student customers and their families," said CTA President Forrest Claypool. "Thousands of Chicago Public Schools students rely on public transportation to travel to and from their classes, and providing free rides on the first day starts out the year on the right note."

Students already receive a discounted reduced riding rate on weekdays. This discount was extended recently by one half hour, to 8:30 p.m. daily, to accommodate the CPS extended school day.

"We are so appreciative to the CTA and Sun-Times Media for providing free rides to our students and making it easier to get all kids back in the classroom on day one," said CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard. "This year all CPS students will benefit from a full, quality day, and this partnership will help to ensure that all students will receive the education they deserve. Thank you for joining us in our efforts to start the year out strong by getting kids in school on the first day."

The sponsorship also includes promotional trade elements for both the CTA and Sun-Times, including print and online benefits. The CTA will also provide advertising on unsold bus and rail car interiors, digital spaces and on 150,000 branded farecards.

Last year, the first year of the First Day of School Free Rides program, CTA provided about 170,000 rides to students at both CPS and private schools. The CTA provides roughly 25 million student rides each year.