Take a train to reach a destination in downtown Chicago.
Traffic congestion and parking problems in Chicago generate significant woes for domestic drivers. City officials compensate for these hurdles by offering multiple low-cost public transit options. Designed to accommodate commuters, residents and tourists alike, the various public transportation types allow you to tailor your travel route in advance with minimal cost and effort. Most of the systems offer discounts to military, the elderly and the disabled. Frequent users can pay by the month or with bulk tickets to further reduce prices.
Instructions
1. Determine which system offers the most convenient and cost-effective access from your starting point to your destination. Consult transport schedules for the Metra train system, the Pace bus system and the Chicago Transit Authority's train, bus and water taxi systems.
2. Plan your route with Google Transit. The online Google maps function allows you to get directions on reach a destination using public transportation. Input your starting location and destination and choose a preferred arrival time. Google provides you with public transit options, including bus numbers and arrival times, for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) systems and the Metra system.
3. Travel on the Metra rail system. The Metra train system offers connections from various area suburbs to downtown Chicago. Metra operates 12 different lines and about 228 stations. Access the Metra website's system map to locate the closest station and the time schedule. Investigate the various starting locations on your selected line to determine which is most convenient. Purchase tickets at the stations.
4. Travel on the Pace bus system for commuter traffic. The Pace website includes maps and route finder to help you select the bus you want. The system connects local areas to Metra stations or CTA stations. Pay the fare directly on the bus or purchase a transit card at a Metra station.
5. Travel on the Chicago Transit Authority's system. CTA is the regional transport system for the Chicago Loop, a commercial area in downtown Chicago. The system also connects Chicago's airports, O'Hare (Blue Line) and Midway (Orange Line). CTA has eight train lines plus an extensive system of buses, which connect various places in downtown. Buy tickets at the CTA train stations or pay cash on the buses.
6. Take a water taxi. CTA offers a water transport system along the Chicago River called Chicago Water Taxi. The taxi system travels to and from docks on Michigan Avenue, LaSalle and Clark, Madison Street and Chinatown.
7. Walk to your destination if it is within walking distance. Downtown Chicago features beautiful architecture and tourist destinations. Chicago's riverwalk allows you to easily walk along the river.
Tags: Chicago Transit, Chicago Transit Authority, Transit Authority, downtown Chicago, Metra train, Metra train system, most convenient