Chicago Transit Authority Facts for Kids

The CTA logo

The Chicago Transit Authority, often called CTA, is a big public transport system in Chicago, Illinois. It also serves some towns around Chicago. The CTA runs the famous Chicago "L" trains and many bus lines, helping people get around the city every day.

The CTA is a special government agency in Illinois. It officially started on October 1, 1947. At first, it bought two large transport companies: the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines streetcar system. Later, in 1952, the CTA also bought the Chicago Motor Coach Company. This made the CTA the main way to travel by public transport in Chicago. Today, the CTA is one of three main transport groups supported by the Regional Transportation Authority.

What the CTA Does
- The "L" Trains
  - Train Lines and Destinations
- CTA Bus Service
  - Bus Routes and Connections
History of the CTA
- Early Days of Public Transport
- Unifying the System
Images for kids
See also

What the CTA Does

The CTA provides vital public transportation services. It helps millions of people travel for work, school, and fun. The system includes both trains and buses.

The "L" Trains

The "L" is Chicago's elevated train system. The "L" name comes from "elevated," because many of its tracks are built above the streets. These trains run on different colored lines, like the Blue Line, Red Line, and Green Line. They connect downtown Chicago to many neighborhoods and even to O'Hare International Airport.

Train Lines and Destinations

Each "L" train line has a different color and route. For example, the Blue Line goes to O'Hare Airport. The Red Line runs 24 hours a day, connecting the north and south sides of the city. The "L" trains are a quick way to avoid traffic.

CTA Bus Service

The CTA also operates a large network of buses. These buses travel on streets throughout Chicago and its suburbs. Buses help people reach places that the "L" trains don't go. They also connect riders to train stations.

Bus Routes and Connections

CTA buses have many different routes. They stop frequently, making it easy to get on and off. Buses are a great way to explore different parts of the city. They help people connect from their homes to schools, jobs, and shopping areas.

History of the CTA

The CTA was created to bring together different transport companies. Before 1947, several private companies ran trains and buses. The CTA made it one big, organized system.

Early Days of Public Transport

Before the CTA, Chicago had streetcars and elevated trains run by separate companies. The Chicago Rapid Transit Company ran the "L" trains. The Chicago Surface Lines operated streetcars. These were like electric buses that ran on tracks in the street.

Unifying the System

When the CTA started, it bought these companies. This helped create a single, easy-to-use transport system. In 1952, they added the Chicago Motor Coach Company's bus routes. This made the CTA the main public transport provider for the whole city.