Chicago Transit Authority

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is a public transit agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It runs the Chicago "L" rail system and CTA bus services, helping many people travel around the city each day.

The CTA was created by a law passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 1945. It started operating in 1947 after buying and combining the old Chicago Rapid Transit Company and Chicago Surface Lines streetcar system. In 1952, it also added the Chicago Motor Coach Company, creating one large transportation system.

Today, the CTA is supported by the Regional Transportation Authority and connects with Metra commuter rail and Pace Suburban Bus services.

History

The CTA started because of a law called the Metropolitan Transportation Act. This law was made by the Illinois General Assembly on April 12, 1945. The CTA began working on October 1, 1947. It bought and combined the buses and trains from the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines.

After it started, the CTA made changes. They replaced old wooden train cars with new steel ones. They also closed some train stops that were not used much.

In 1952, the CTA bought more buses from the Chicago Motor Coach Company. This company was started by John D. Hertz, who also started the Yellow Cab Company. By 1960, the CTA stopped using streetcars and used only buses. The CTA also had many trolley bus routes. In the 1950s, it had one of the biggest trolley bus systems in the country. But it stopped trolley bus service between the late 1960s and 1973.

Services

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) helps people travel around Chicago and nearby areas like Forest Park, Evanston, Skokie, and Oak Park. The CTA works every day, all day long, giving many bus and train rides each weekday.

Chicago "L"

Main article: Chicago "L"

The Chicago "L" is a fast train system that serves the city and some nearby towns. It is one of the busiest train systems in the United States. The "L" has many train cars on different routes covering many miles of tracks. These trains take many people each weekday to many stations. Most stations have ramps or elevators so everyone can get on and off easily. All trains can be used by everyone.

Rolling stock

Main article: Chicago "L" rolling stock

The CTA uses different types of electric train cars made by companies like the Budd Company and Morrison-Knudsen. The 5000-series cars were built by Bombardier. The newer 7000-series cars are being built by CRRC Sifang America.

Bus

The CTA is the main bus service in Chicago. It has many buses on different routes covering many miles. These buses take many people each weekday to many stops.

Since December 2025, most of the buses are Nova Bus LFS models. In 2014, the CTA got its first electric buses from New Flyer. Because of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, every CTA bus has a ramp to make sure everyone can use them.

Governance

The Chicago Transit Authority is managed by a group called the Chicago Transit Board. It has seven members. Four members are chosen by the mayor of Chicago, and three are chosen by the governor of Illinois. These members serve for seven years, with terms spread out so that not all change at once. The board picks a leader to handle daily work.

The board also gets advice from two groups made up of local people. After big events in 2001, the CTA started a campaign to help people report anything suspicious. They also set up security cameras on buses to help keep everyone safe.

Fares

The CTA uses a flat rate fare system. The full fare is $2.25 for bus rides and $2.50 for rail rides, except at the Blue Line O'Hare station where it costs $5. Special groups like students, people with disabilities, and senior citizens can get lower fares.

Passengers can pay using a Ventra smart card, a Ventra disposable ticket, contactless credit or debit card, or mobile payment. Ventra cards and tickets offer monthly, weekly, and daily passes. Ventra launched in August 2013, replacing the old Chicago Card system. With Ventra, you can make two free transfers within two hours from the start of your trip. CTA buses also accept cash.

Programs

Bus tracker

In 2006, the CTA put GPS devices on its buses. This helped riders see where buses were online. The CTA also made this information available through text messaging and created special apps for phones and computers.

Special events

Holiday Train

Every November and December, the CTA decorates some of its trains with holiday lights and runs a special train that looks like Santa's sleigh.

Heritage fleet

The CTA keeps some old buses and trains for special events and private tours.

Pride Train

Since 2017, the CTA has run a special train during Pride Month.

Public art

The CTA has many pieces of art—like paintings and sculptures—in its stations. These artworks make each station unique and make travel more enjoyable. The art comes from the Arts in Transit Program, which works with local artists and the city of Chicago.

Arts in Transit

In 2004, the CTA started adding permanent art pieces to stations on the Pink Line. Since then, it has continued to add art to stations, especially on the Brown and Red Lines. Artists work with the community to create these artworks.

2023 MCA installation

In 2023, the CTA showed copies of an art piece at train stops as part of an exhibition by the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

TV show

From 2003 to 2011, the CTA made a TV show called Connections. It shared news and information about the CTA’s services. The show aired on local TV channels and parts of it are still available on the CTA’s YouTube channel.

Ridership

In 2024, the CTA helped people take many trips on its buses and trains.