How-To Guide: Making Regional Chicago Transit Connections - CTA (2024)

The Chicagoarea has several different publictransportation providers, all of which connect conveniently with CTAservices. The primary local and regional transit providers are CTA, Metra, and Pace.

CTA

CTA (that's us)runs buses (routes 1-206), and elevated and subway trains, serving the city anddozens ofnearby suburbs. Most routes run daily through late evening, every10 to20 minutes. Sunday schedules apply on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Learn more about our services at our Service Overview or Route Guides/Schedules.

Metra

Metra (Metropolitan Rail)runs 12 commuter/suburban train lines from several downtown Chicago terminals. Rush hour service is frequent; otherwise trains generally operate every 1 to 2 hours and most routes run daily. Fares are separate, but a Link-Up Pass is available to Metra monthly ticket holders for use onCTA and you can buy Metra tickets (via credit, debit or transit value in your registered Ventra transit account)in the Ventra app.

Downtown Metra terminals include Chicago-Union Station (near Jackson/Canal), Chicago-Ogilvie Transportation Center (near Madison/Canal), Chicago-LaSalle Street Station (near LaSalle/Van Buren), and Chicago-Millennium Station (near Randolph/Michigan).

Learn more about Metra and get Metra schedules,maps, and moreat metrarail.com.

Pace

Pace (suburban bus)runs buses throughout the suburbs (routes 208 and above) and many routes connect with CTA. Major routes run daily through mid-evening, every 30 to 60 minutes. You can use yourVentra Card to ride.

Pace connects with CTAand Metra in dozens of locations.

Learn more about Pace at pacebus.com.

Regional Trip Planning

You can plan your trip onall three of CTA, Metra and Pace using theRTATrip Planneron the Web or by calling (312)836-7000.

For full details, including TTYinformation and info about using Google Maps with transit, seeour guide to Finding your way.

How-To Guide: Making Regional Chicago Transit Connections - CTA (1)Regional System Map

The Regional Transportation Authority map shows city and suburban transit provided by CTA, Metra, and Pace.

RTA System Map Brochure (PDF)

See also:Maps

How-To Guide: Making Regional Chicago Transit Connections - CTA (2)RTATrain Connections Map

This Regional Transportation Authority map shows a diagram (not to geographical scale)map of all CTAand Metra rail lines and indicates opportunities for connections between them.

RTATrain Connections Map(PDF)

Othertransportation providerlinks:

Other public transportation providers that provide service to Chicago include Amtrak and the South Shore Line.

  • NICTD/South ShoreLine (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District)
    Operates service from downtown Chicago to South Bend, IN.
  • Amtrak
    Operates cross-country service to/from Chicago-Union Station.
How-To Guide: Making Regional Chicago Transit Connections - CTA (2024)

FAQs

Can I use Ventra for CTA and metra? ›

The Ventra app is available to download at the App Store and Google Play for use on Metra, CTA and Pace. The new Ventra app: A better way to Metra has arrived.

What is the difference between Metro and CTA service in Chicago? ›

The Chicago Metra is the city's commuter rail system. The difference between Chicago Metra and CTA trains is where you're coming from. CTA trains are for inner-city Chicago travelers, while the Metra is for the suburbs and is most recognizable for its 2-level train cars.

What is the difference between CTA and Pace? ›

In 2015, Metra was added to the Ventra app. Pace buses generally have longer routes than CTA buses. Due to its geographic service area, service is provided by eleven operating divisions (see below), as well as under agreements with several municipalities and private operators (school bus and motor coach companies).

Do CTA bus drivers have to live in Chicago? ›

Do I have to live in Chicago to work for CTA? Exempt (non-bargained for) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area and Map either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA. Non-exempt (bargained for) employees do not have this requirement.

Is CTA and Ventra the same? ›

Ventra is the convenient fare payment system for CTA, Pace and Metra that allows customers to pay for train and bus rides throughout Chicagoland. Customers can easily manage their account online and choose from several different contactless fare payment methods: Ventra Card for CTA and Pace.

Can two people use the same Ventra pass? ›

At train stations, each person should individually touch a Ventra Card that's being shared, and enter when indicated. On buses, tell the bus driver you wish to pay for multiple people and follow his or her direction to pay (the driver will need to push a button for each additional person riding on the same card).

What is the best way to get around Chicago? ›

The buses and trains of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) are a fast and cost-effective way to get into and around the city. Known as the "L" (though they may be elevated or underground) the trains are a fun way to see The Loop from a new vantage point.

Is Chicago CTA reliable? ›

The Chicago Transit Authority is absolutely a reliable public transit organization. There are on average 1.7 million riders using CTA every single day.

Why do CTA trains run express? ›

Why do you run trains “express?” Running a train “express”—not stopping at stations it normally would stop at—is a way to alleviate congestion following a delay.

What is the difference between active and passive CTA? ›

1/ Use an Active Voice: Active voice means that a sentence has a subject that acts upon its verb. Passive voice means that a subject is a recipient of a verb's action. You want to use an active voice in your CTAs in order to have a strong, direct, and clear tone for your customers.

Is Metra a CTA or Pace? ›

Metra has partnered with CTA and Pace to make every mile of your commute as easy and affordable as possible.

How much do CTA bus drivers make per hour? ›

How much does a Cta Bus Driver make in Los Angeles, California? As of May 16, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Cta Bus Driver in Los Angeles is $20.78 an hour.

How much do CTA train drivers make? ›

Cta Driver Salary in Chicago, IL
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$51,507$4,292
75th Percentile$47,400$3,950
Average$40,937$3,411
25th Percentile$37,100$3,091

What is the bonus for a bus operator at CTA? ›

Plus, there's a hiring bonus of $1,000!

The bonus will appear on the first paycheck and employees must remain at CTA for one year. “Job fairs such as this are a critical element to our ongoing efforts to further improve the delivery and overall reliability of our bus services,” CTA President Dorval R.

Is Metra run by CTA? ›

The RTA was reorganized by Springfield in 1983, and a commuter rail division was created to oversee commuter rail operations. At the same time, a suburban bus division (Pace) was created. RTA remained as the parent organization for the CTA, Metra and Pace, which are known as the three service boards.

Can you ride CTA with Ventra app? ›

You can quickly pay for rides on CTA and Pace with Ventra Card on Google Pay. Simply 'wake up' your Android device and then tap-and-go to pay for rides using transit value and passes. No need to carry a card, open an app or unlock your phone — it's that easy!

Is the red line Metra or CTA? ›

Red Line (Route info, alerts & schedules) - CTA.

Is the Metra the same as the L? ›

We want you to think of us as My Metra. It is the sister agency to the Chicago Transit Authority, which provides mass transit rail (the L) and bus service to Chicago and some suburbs, and Pace, which provides bus service primarily in the suburbs.

References

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