How does public transportation in Chicago work?

The nation’s second largest public transportation system, the CTA operates Chicago’s eight ‘L’ train lines and 129 bus routes. Pay cash for single trip bus rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for both travel by ‘L’ train and bus.

Can you use debit on Chicago bus?

CTA patrons will simply “tap” their contactless credit, debit and bank cards or CTA-branded prepaid cards on a card reader to board trains and buses. Those without credit cards or debit cards will be able to purchase prepaid contactless cards at over 1,000 new locations, and cash fares will still be accepted on buses.

Do buses take card payments?

UK issued contactless payment cards are accepted, just look out for the contactless symbol.

How do I pay for the L in Chicago?

When you enter a train station, you can pay your fare at the turnstile or gate: simply touch your Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket or contactless bankcard to the reader on the top of every turnstile. Every station has Ventra Vending Machines if you need to buy or load fare.

How does riding the bus work?

How do I get on a bus in the US? You wait at a bus stop for your bus, then make eye contact with the driver so he stops, then get on the bus and pay. The bus will only stop at designated bus stop locations. If you request a stop, the bus driver will stop at the next official stop.

How do you ride a Pace bus?

How to Ride on Pace Like a Pro

1. Step One: Find your route. You can find your route by downloading the Ventra app or visiting our website.
2. Step Two: Hop on for your ride.
3. Step Three: Ride to your destination.
4. Step Four: Listen for your stop.
5. Step Five: Hop-off at your desired destination.

Can I use my Ventra card to make purchases?

Regular Ventra Cards offer a prepaid debit option which, if activated, allows you to load money into a prepaid debit account and use your Ventra Card to make regular retail purchases anywhere MasterCard is accepted.

What is the best way to get around Chicago?

The best way to get around Chicago is via public transportation – specifically the L train. A cheaper alternative is to use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft.

1. Yellow Cab Chicago.
2. Flash Cab.
3. Chicago Carriage Cab.
4. Checker Taxi Chicago.
5. Uber.
6. Lyft.

How safe is the Chicago subway?

The subway and “L” trains are perfectly safe. Since you and your son are poliice officers you know that crime neighborhoods exist on the outskirts of civilization. Chicago isn’t New York.

Can I tap my phone on the bus?

Eliminating the hassle for regular top-ups, commuters can now pay for their train and bus trips by tapping their credit card or mobile phone.

Can I use my phone to pay on the bus?

Using a mobile payment to pay as you go is the same as using a contactless card. You can make mobile payments with devices such as phones, watches, key fobs, stickers or wristbands. You can use different mobile payments to travel on our transport services: Apple Pay.

Can I use my debit card for the train?

You can now use your contactless payment card or compatible mobile device on most National Rail services in the Oyster Pay As You Go (PAYG) area where contactless payments are accepted, as well as the bus, Tube, London Trams, DLR, TfL Rail and London Overground.