Chicago Transit Authority

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the operator of mass transit in Chicago, Illinois, United States, and some of its suburbs, including the trains of the Chicago "L" and CTA bus service. In 2024, the system had a ridership of 650,200,800, or about 1,781,372 per weekday as of 2024.

The CTA is an Illinois independent governmental agency that started operations on October 1, 1947, upon the purchase and combination of the transportation assets of the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines streetcar system. In 1952, CTA purchased the assets of the Chicago Motor Coach Company, which was under the control of Yellow Cab Company founder John D. Hertz, resulting in a fully unified system. Today, the CTA is one of the three service boards financially supported by the Regional Transportation Authority and CTA service connects with the commuter rail Metra, and suburban bus and regional paratransit service, Pace.

The Chicago Transit Authority provides service in Chicago and surrounding suburbs of Forest Park, Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Summit, Cicero, Berwyn, North Riverside, Rosemont, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Park Ridge, Harwood Heights, Norridge, Lincolnwood, and Wilmette. The CTA operates 24 hours each day and on an average weekday provides over 950,000 rides on buses and trains.

The Chicago "L" is the rapid transit system serving the city. It is the third-busiest rapid transit system in the United States. As of January 2025, the "L" has a fleet of 1,560 train cars serving over eight routes and 226 miles (364 km) of track. Its trains provide about 1,283,471 customer trips each weekday and serve 146 stations in Chicago and seven suburbs.

The CTA is the primary operator of buses in the Chicago area. As of January 2025, it has approximately 2,000 buses that operate over 127 routes traveling along 1,516 miles (2,440 km). Buses provide about 560,000 passenger trips a day and serve more than 10,000 posted bus stops.

In 2024, the CTA served 309 million trips across all of its routes.

The CTA accepts payment with a Ventra smart card, a Ventra disposable ticket, contactless credit or debit card, and mobile payment. Unlimited ride Ventra cards/tickets are only valid for one passenger. CTA buses also accept cash. Up to three children under 7 can ride free with a fare-paying rider.

The CTA has many free and discounted fare options, for elementary, middle, and high school students, college and university students, people with disabilities, senior citizens, and military service members.