Chicago Transit Authority

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is a public transit agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It operates the Chicago "L" rail system and CTA bus services, helping millions of people get around the city every day.

The CTA was created by a law passed by the Illinois General Assembly on April 12, 1945. It began running on October 1, 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, making one big transportation system.

Today, the CTA is supported by the Regional Transportation Authority and connects with Metra commuter rail and Pace Suburban Bus services. In 2025, about 971,400 people used the CTA each weekday.

History

The CTA was formed through the Metropolitan Transportation Act passed by the Illinois General Assembly on April 12, 1945. It began operating on October 1, 1947, after buying and combining the transportation assets of the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines streetcar system. Over the next few years, the CTA updated the "L" by replacing old wooden cars with new steel ones and closing some less-used branch lines and stations.

In 1952, the CTA bought the assets of the Chicago Motor Coach Company, which was controlled by Yellow Cab Company founder John D. Hertz, leading to a fully unified system. By 1960, the CTA had replaced all of its streetcars with buses. The CTA also had many trolley bus routes and, in the 1950s, had one of the largest trolley bus networks in the country, but 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, Oak Park, and many others. The CTA works every day, all day long, giving more than 950,000 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 three busiest train systems in the United States. As of January 2025, the "L" has 1,560 train cars on eight routes covering 226 miles (364 km) of tracks. These trains take about 471,547 people each weekday to 146 stations. Most stations have ramps or elevators so everyone, including people with disabilities, can get on and off easily. All trains can be used by everyone, with ramps or flat steps to help.

Rolling stock

Main article: Chicago "L" rolling stock

The CTA uses different types of electric train cars made by companies like the Budd Company, Morrison-Knudsen, Bombardier, and CRRC. The 5000-series cars were built by Bombardier from 2009 to 2015, with 706 cars ordered for about US$1 billion. The newer 7000-series cars are being built by CRRC Sifang America, with the first ones arriving in 2022.

Bus

The CTA is the main bus service in Chicago. As of January 2025, it has about 2,000 buses on 127 routes covering 1,516 miles (2,440 km). These buses take around 638,212 people each weekday to over 10,000 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, becoming the first big U.S. transit system to use them regularly. Because of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, every CTA bus has a ramp to make sure everyone can use them, including people with disabilities.

Governance

The Chicago Transit Authority is managed by a group called the Chicago Transit Board, which 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 began putting GPS devices on its buses, starting with the bus on Madison Street. This helped riders see where buses were online. Even though there was a small drop in buses bunching up, it wasn’t proven that the GPS system caused it.

The CTA also made this bus tracking 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, which include mosaics, sculptures, and more.

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 309 million trips on its buses and trains.