Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Map

The CTA regulates Chicago's public transportation. It was created in 1947 by the Illinois stare legislature. The only public transportation system in the United States that is larger is New York City's. The CTA services the actual city of Chicago as well as many of the nearby suburbs. Over 1.5 million commuters use CTA transportation everyday. Taking public transportation in Chicago is a very viable option since the streets and expressways are often very crowded.

CTA trains have lines that run to the north, south, and east of the city. You can reach both of Chicago's primary airports, O'Hare and Midway, using CTA trains. There are over 200 miles of rail lines throughout Chicago that provide service at over 140 stations. About half a million people-a-day ride CTA trains. Both the Blue line and Red line run 24 hours a day.

Where there is a gap in train coverage, CTA busses run along many of the major streets. There are more than 150 CTA bus routes in the city that cover more than 2,200 miles of road. Roughly a million people ride CTA busses daily.

The accessibility of public transportation in Chicago is one of the reasons that the city has continued to grow. The CTA alone has created many jobs in the city, not to mention all the business that have developed near CTA rail stations and bus routes. Traffic congestion has led to a large walking population that depends on public transportation to move around the city. The services that the CTA provide to the residents of Chicago are invaluable to their daily lives. Whether you are a resident or a visitor to the city, you will no doubt appreciate how easy it is to travel about the city on CTA transportation.

CTA Maps: Web-Version / PDF Format

Content courtesy of the Chicago Transit Authority