Travel Tips
Service Providers
Finding a Station or Stop ScheduleHere's what to look for when you are trying to spot a bus stop or train station:
CTA Buses stop at posted signs, similar to the one shown to the right. These signs show the numbers, names and descriptions of routes serving that stop. A sign above the bus windshield first shows the route number and name, followed by the destination.
When the bus arrives, an automated announcement will confirm the route number and destination. Here is the signage you will find at a CTA rail stop:
In Chicago neighborhoods and the suburbs, signs similar to the one shown here point the way to nearby Metra stations.
Pace bus stops are marked with this sign and in downtown Chicago drivers will only stop at these marked stops. In the suburbs, a Pace bus will stop at any safe location along the route - just signal the driver to indicate that you want to board.
Riding On TransitBuses and train cars have a mixture of single and double seats. All provide a single class of service. All trains are air conditioned in the summer, as are most CTA and Pace buses. All transit vehicles are heated in the winter. CTA, Pace and Metra services have automated announcements of upcoming stops or stations to alert you when you are nearing your stop. Accessibility GuideRTA transit services provide a high degree of accessibility to persons with disabilities. All CTA and Metra trains are fully accessible, with most key stations accessible as well. Over 85% of CTA bus routes are fully accessible. All Pace bus routes are fully accessible For more information on accessible services by carrier, including lists of accessible routes and stations, please click one of the following logos:
If you are a new resident or are visiting for an extended period and want to apply for reduced fare certification, call RTA at: Voice: (312) 836-7000 TTY: (312) 836-4949 If you are visiting and need ADA complementary paratransit service, call CTA Paratransit Operations at: Voice: (312) 681-3098 TTY: (312) 681-3099 If you need assistance while riding, the bus driver or train conductor can provide it. (On CTA rail, you may contact the train operator via the intercom located in each car.) Eating and drinking is allowed only on Metra rail. There is no eating or drinking allowed on CTA or Pace services. All RTA services are smoke free. Riding CTA | Metra Rider's Guide | Pace Bus System
Paying for Your RidePaying for RTA transit services is easy! Here are the most frequently asked questions about RTA transit fares:
What are basic fares for RTA transit services? The easiest way to determine the fare for your trip is to use the Trip Planner. It will calculate the exact fare, including all charges for rides and transfers, for your trip.
CTA Fare Detail | Metra Fare Detail | Pace Fare Detail How can I pay for my ride? The easiest way to pay for CTA and Pace services is to buy a Transit Card. These can be purchased at CTA rail stations as well as at selected currency exchanges, sporting events and special events. Basic Transit Cards are interchangeable between CTA and Pace services. Metra riders require a ticket that can be bought at any downtown station, some outlying stations or on the train. CTA, Pace, and Metra all accept cash payment (exact change is required on CTA and Pace). On buses, pay your exact fare into the farebox. Dollar bills go into one slot, coins into another, and Transfer Cards or Transit Cards go into the slot closest to the windshield. For CTA rail buy a full-fare Transit Card (minimum $2.00 purchase, no change returned) from the vending machine using U.S. currency of $20 denomination or smaller. You can buy Metra tickets at any station with a ticket agent or pay cash for a ticket on the train. There is an extra $2.00 charge for purchasing your ticket on the train if you board at a station with a ticket agent. If I transfer to another bus or train do I have to pay? If you plan to transfer between CTA services or between CTA and Pace, it will cost you an additional $0.25 for the first transfer and the second transfer will be free. Transfers are valid for two hours from the start of your trip. You will need to present a Transfer Card or Transit Card when you transfer. If you are paying cash for your trip, be sure to pay the additional amount for the transfer at the start of your first ride in order to get a Transfer Card If you use a Transit Card, the transfers are deducted automatically when you board the second and third vehicles. Are there any special deals for visitors? YES! CTA offers a Visitor Pass that allows you to use transit for flat daily rate. You can enjoy unlimited rides on all CTA and Pace services (no Metra rides) with 1, 2, 3, or 5-day Visitor Passes. Your pass activates the first time you use it and is good for the number of consecutive days shown on the front of the pass. One Pass required per rider - no sharing. Visitor Pass Detail | Where to buy a Pass Metra offers Weekend Passes, good on Saturday, Sunday and often on adjacent holidays. These are good for unlimited rides anywhere on the Metra system (except the South Shore), and cost $5.00 per person. You can buy them on the train without penalty. I am 65 or older. Do I qualify for a reduced fare? If you are visiting for a short time, you will have to pay the full fare. If you are a new resident or are here for an extended visit, you can get certification from the RTA as a reduced fare passenger.
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