Chicago Proper

In the City of Chicago proper we have the rapid transit train system, otherwise known as the "L". "L" is short for "elevated trains" as our trains tend to run on elevated platforms rather than in underground "subways" (though some of the trains do run underground and stop at subway stations). Like the Tube in London, the L runs on several different lines, all color coded for sake of efficiency.

Unlike the London Tube, however, our train lines are more likely to be known by their color rather than by a name such as "District" or "Picadilly". For many Chicagoans, the L is the cheapest and fastest way of getting to and from work, school, the airports, and the city's many attractions. In addition to the "L", we also have a bus system that covers much of the city. Both Chicago buses and trains are governed by the Chicago Transit Authority, commonly known as the CTA.

Riverbus

Not a part of the official public transit system, the Wendella RiverBus does offer commuters an inexpensive way to get around the ever-more congested downtown loop.

South Shore

For those commuters from Northern Indiana and Chicago's South Shore, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District offers rail transportation into the Loop.

Chicago Suburbs

While some city buses and trains extend into a few of the Suburbs, the suburbs have their own public transit system:The bus system, known as PACE, is not nearly as comprehensive as city bus coverage, although one can use farecards from CTA system on most suburban buses. While most CTA buses, at least during the daytime, run every 5-15 minutes, the PACE buses run much less frequently and for a much shorter daily schedule. The Metra Rail system is a train service that serves commuters from the suburbs traveling into the city.

The Metra train service is far more rigid than the L: There is no way to transfer between train lines unless you are in downtown Chicago, trains run as much as 2 hours apart (except during rush hour) and most stop running fairly early in the evening.

Still, the trains themselves are very clean, well maintained, safe (cars are attended by a conductor), and passengers can bring food and drink onboard. The metra trains also run very far outside the city: One line even runs to Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Metra train stations often serve as cab company dispatch offices as well as a bus stop, so there are normally at least a few non-rail transportation options to help Metra passengers get where they are going.