Visit this official CTA Web site for schedule and route information.
The Chicago Transit Authority operates all rapid transit trains and buses within the city of Chicago. CTA began operating on October 1, 1947, after having acquired the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines. And after acquiring the Chicago Motor Coach Company in 1952, CTA became the sole operator of public transportation in Chicago, except for the commuter railroads which primarily serve the suburbs.
Although publicly owned, CTA was originally intended to be financially self supporting. Area public transit was first subsidized in the 1970's, when the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) was created.
This web site contains more thorough historical and current operations information, regarding the rail rapid transit system.
This web site contains more timely information, on current CTA bus operations and assignments.
This web site contains much historic information, including on the operational details of CTA and its predecessors.
Included are lists of stations, type of line (elevated, subway, etc.), other points of interest.
What began as four separate elevated railroad companies eventually became the Chicago Rapid Transit Company, which was taken over by CTA in 1947.
CTA operates approximately 1200 modern rapid transit cars over its eight rail routes.
Until recently, CTA operated cars which had been built using components salvaged from retired PCC streetcars.
Present and past rapid transit shops and terminals.
From the individually railway owned power plants, to power purchased from the Commonwealth Edison electric utility.
Chicago's streetcar and bus system was known as the Chicago Surface Lines, until CTA assumed operations in 1947.
Many of today's transit routes in Chicago have histories which can be traced back to streetcars, cable cars, and horse cars.
CTA now operates approximately 1900 buses over more than 120 routes.
With nearly 5,000 cars, Chicago once boasted the world's largest streetcar system. The last streetcar ran in 1958
Buses have operated in Chicago since 1917.
CTA at present assigns its buses to seven modern bus garages.
Many former bus garages had been converted from old car houses from the streetcar era. A few other buildings only housed buses, some having been constructed by the Chicago Motor Coach Company. Some of these old facilities remain standing.
From the individually railway owned power plants, to power purchased from the Commonwealth Edison electric utility.
Streetcar and bus routes assigned to each car house and bus garage over the years, along with bus fleet assignments for selected years since the 1960's.
Photos of CTA cars and buses, present and past.
A historic look at transit fares in Chicago, methods of payment, and transfers. The CTA has modernized its fare collection system to include machine readable transfers and stored value cards.
Scanned images of some early CTA route maps.
An understanding of Chicago's street numbering system can aid in the appreciation of Chicago geography, and how the transit routes fit in with the street system.
Information contained on this site is unofficial. Any suggestions for additions and improvements to this site are welcome. Thanks for visiting! Bill Vandervoort
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Chicago Transit & Railfan Web Site