Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
winter days—Chicago's public train and bus systems are efficient modes of
transportation. In fact, they may be the least expensive way of entertaining your
child while visiting the city.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
operates an extensive system of trains
and buses throughout the city of Chicago. The sturdy system carries about 1.5
million passengers a day. Subways and elevated trains (known as the El) are gen-
erally safe and reliable, although it's advisable to avoid long rides through unfa-
miliar neighborhoods late at night.
The bus and the El each has its pros and cons when traveling with kids. Par-
ents with infants might prefer the El, since carrying a baby and a stroller up the
bus steps (then paying the fare and finding a seat as the bus lurches into traffic)
requires strength, coordination, and nerves of steel. Until your child can climb
up steps, the easy-on, easy-off advantage of the El makes it the better choice (in
spite of the fact that you might have to carry your stroller up and down stairs to
reach the train platform).
Fares
for the bus, subway, and El are $1.75, 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 under 7 ride free, and those between the ages of 7 and
11 pay 85¢ (15¢ for transfers). 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).
Adopting a system used by other urban transit agencies, 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
($17.50 for 10 rides), 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 $1.75 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 $1.75 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 hopping onboard.
Free Ride
During the summer, the city of Chicago operates kid-pleasing free trolleys
daily between Michigan Avenue and the Museum Campus (site of the
Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd
Aquarium); the trolleys run only on weekends in the fall and spring. Free
trolleys also run year-round between Navy Pier and the Grand/State Street
El station on the Red Line. Check out the routes and get details on sched-
ules at www.metrarail.com. The trolleys are supposed to make stops every
30 minutes, but waits can be far longer during peak tourist season—and
the trolleys aren't air-conditioned. If you get tired of waiting, remember
that CTA public buses travel the same routes for only $1.75 per person.
Tips
