Getting to Know the Windy City - Chicago - page 28

carries about 1.5 million passengers a day. Subways and elevated trains
(known as the El) are generally safe and reliable, although it's advisable
to avoid long rides through unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night.
Fares for the bus, subway, and El are $2, with an additional 25¢
for a transfer that allows CTA riders to make two transfers on the bus
or El within 2 hours of receipt. Children 6 and under ride free, and
those between the ages of 7 and 11 pay $1. Seniors can also receive
the reduced fare if they have the appropriate reduced-fare permit
(call & 312/836-7000 for details on how to obtain one, although
this is probably not a realistic option for a short-term visitor).
The CTA uses credit card-size fare cards that automatically
deduct the exact fare each time you take a ride. The reusable cards
can be purchased with a preset value already stored, or riders can
obtain cards at vending machines located at all CTA train stations
and charge them with whatever amount they choose (a minimum of
$2 and up to $100). If within 2 hours of your first ride you transfer
to a bus or the El, the turnstiles at the El stations and the fare boxes
on buses will automatically deduct from your card just the cost of a
transfer (25¢). If you make a second transfer within 2 hours, it's free.
The same card can be recharged continuously.
Fare cards can be used on buses, but you can't buy a card on the
bus. If you get on the bus without a fare card, you'll have to pay $2
cash (either in coins or in dollar bills); the bus drivers cannot make
change, so make sure that you've got the right amount before hop-
ping on board.
CTA INFORMATION The CTA operates a useful telephone infor-
mation service ( & 836-7000 or TTY 836-4949 from any area code in
the city and suburbs) that functions daily from 5am to 1am. You can
also check out the CTA's website at www.transitchicago.com .
BY THE EL & THE SUBWAY The rapid-transit system operates
five major lines, which the CTA identifies by color: The Red Line
runs north-south; the Green Line runs west-south; the Blue Line
runs through Wicker Park/Bucktown west-northwest to O'Hare
Airport; the Brown Line runs in a northern zigzag route; and the
Orange Line runs southwest, serving Midway airport. The Purple
Line, which runs on the same Loop elevated tracks as the Orange
and Green lines, serves north-suburban Evanston and runs only dur-
ing rush hour.
I highly recommend taking at least one El ride while you're here—
you'll get a whole different perspective on the city (not to mention