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Getting Around

CTA, RTA, Trains and Buses

Chicago is one of North America's most readily traveled cities. Its public transportation system approaches European cities in scope if not in service or good looks. Each participant will receive a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) map from the Institute. You can also obtain one from any CTA station. For additional information, please visit the following websites:

http://www.rtachicago.com/ - (RTA - Chicago's rapid transit - overall organization for all transportation systems in Chicago):

http://www.transitchicago.com/ - (CTA - Chicago's subway & buses)

http://www.metrarail.com/ - (Metra - Chicago's commuter train)

Trains and Subways

The CTA runs the most efficient system with their subway and elevated (El) trains that run into the downtown area (the Loop, so named for the loop that the elevated trains make around the central core). CTA trains run along several routes:

The Red Line runs along a north-south axis near the Lake, from 95th Street in the south to the Chicago-Evanston border in the north.

The Blue Line runs on a west-to-east and northwest route that runs in from O'Hare Airport in the far Northwest, to the Loop, then West past UIC to the far west side either to the suburb of Oak Park or 54th and Cermak.

The Brown Line (Ravenswood Trains) run on a North-South axis from the Northwest Side to downtown.

The Orange Line runs from the Loop to Midway Airport on the Southwest side.

The Green Line runs from the South Side through downtown and the West Side to Oak Park.

The Purple Line or "Evanston Express" runs from the Loop direct to Evanston, with very few stops. It runs only during rush hours. The Purple Line from Evanston to Wilmette runs outside of rush hours.

The Yellow Line or Skokie Swift runs from the northern end of the Red Line to Skokie.

Buses

Bus routes run by the CTA run almost everywhere within Chicago. While the trains are relatively clean and fast (the stations are usually dingy, though), the buses tend to be slower. Bus fares are covered by CTA passes and transfers, and by regular cash fares. You must have exact change to get on bus. Drivers do not make change.

Fares

CTA train and bus fares are $1.75 per ride, and two transfers within two hours is an additional 25 cents. You can purchase transit cards at vending machines at any CTA train station. Transit cards can be used on both buses and subways. Value can be added to transit cards at the vending machines if the cash value of the card is depleted or drops under $1.75. The CTA also offers visitor passes, ranging from one day of unlimited rides for $5 to a five-day unlimited pass for $18. If you plan to use the trains and buses a great deal, i.e. more than twice a day, you may consider buying a 30-Day Pass for $75, which covers all fares and transfers.

Other Train Routes

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) runs suburban buses and trains. METRA trains connect Chicago with the suburbs, operating several lines from four train stations downtown. Fares differ depending on the distance traveled. Complete current schedules are available in the Institute office and on Metra's website http://www.metrarail.com/. If you're planning a trip, stop in and we'll be glad to help you.

Getting to Other Cities and Regions

During the weeks while the Institute is here at UIC, you may wish to travel outside the Chicago area. Below is a brief description of transportation options. Please feel free to ask one of the staff if you need assistance.

· Union Station, at Jackson and Canal Streets, is your connection to most all train routes, using the national rail line, AMTRAK. At Harrison and Jefferson Streets, just a few blocks east and north of your housing, is the Greyhound Bus Station, where inexpensive inter-city buses depart and arrive.

· Most Americans take air flights, however, as they are faster, more convenient, and only a little more expensive than the trains and buses. Planes leave from both Midway and O'Hare Airports. We will be happy to help you make travel arrangements. Alicia Boada, our travel consultant, would also be happy to assist you.

· Transportation to the airports is convenient from UIC. The easiest and most economical way is the Blue Line CTA train, which goes directly to O'Hare Airport (make sure you take the train heading toward downtown, marked O'Hare). Check the schedule for times. Similarly, for flights from Midway Airport, you can take the same train and transfer to the Orange Line downtown at the Clark/Lake station. Taxicabs are also an option, although an expensive one ($20-$25 one way, plus a discretionary 10% tip) as are private limousine services (around $60 one way, plus tip).