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CTA INFORMATION
Visit this official CTA Web site for schedule and route information, or phone the RTA Travel Information Center at 312-836-7000.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.
CTA RAPID TRANSIT RIDING TIPS/PHOTOS
Included are lists of stations, type of line (elevated, subway, etc.), other points of interest, and photos.
CTA RAPID TRANSIT HISTORY
What began as four separate elevated railroad companies eventually became the Chicago Rapid Transit Company, which was taken over by CTA in 1947.
CTA RAPID TRANSIT ROSTER
CTA operates approximately 1200 modern rapid transit cars over its seven rail routes.
RAPID TRANSIT ROSTER FROM THE PAST
Until recently, CTA operated cars which had been built using components salvaged from retired PCC streetcars.
RAPID TRANSIT FACILITIES
Present and past rapid transit shops, terminals, and power plants.
CHICAGO SURFACE LINES HISTORY
Chicago's streetcar and bus system was known as the Chicago Surface Lines, until CTA assumed operations in 1947.
SURFACE TRANSIT ROUTES - PAST AND PRESENT
Many of today's transit routes in Chicago have histories which can be traced back to streetcars, cable cars, and horse cars.
CTA BUS ROSTER
CTA now operates approximately 1900 buses over more than 120 routes.
STREETCAR ROSTER FROM THE PAST
With nearly 5,000 cars, Chicago once boasted the world's largest streetcar system. The last streetcar ran in 1958
BUS ROSTERS FROM THE PAST
Buses have operated in Chicago since 1917.
CTA BUS GARAGES
CTA at present assigns its buses to eight modern bus garages.
FORMER CARHOUSES
A few old carhouses from the streetcar era remain standing, having been converted to other uses. Some carhouses recently finished their days as CTA bus garages.
FORMER BUS GARAGES
Many former bus garages had been converted from old carhouses from the streetcar era. A few other buildings only housed buses, some having been constructed by the Chicago Motor Coach Company.
CARHOUSE AND BUS GARAGE ASSIGNMENTS
Streetcar and bus routes assigned to each carhouse and bus garage over the years, along with bus fleet assignments for selected years since the 1970's.
CTA ROSTER PHOTOS
Photos of CTA cars and buses, present and past.
FARE PAYMENT/TRANSFERS
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.
FORMER CTA ROUTE MAPS
Scanned images of some early CTA route maps.
OTHER ENTHUSIASTS' CTA WEB SITES
Other enthusiasts' Web sites pertaining to CTA.
CHICAGO'S STREET NUMBERING SYSTEM
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
Go to Chicago Transit & Railfan Web Site