As of 1/14/2013, cash fare for buses is $2.25 per ride for adults and $.75 to $1.10 for kids 7-11. Train station turnstiles do not accept cash, so you will need to get a transit card. Transit card machines are available at any CTA train station, but not all transit card machines accept credit cards. Children under 7 ride free with a fare-paying customer. Slightly lower fares, and more importanly, $.25 transfers, are available ONLY with transit cards (available at train stations and certain other locations); see the CTA web site (above) for details. If you are travelling with a child aged 7 to 11, ask the station attendant for a blank reduced fare Transit Card and then add money to it at the Transit Card vending machine (cash may be inserted into a bus fare box, but no transfer will be issued).