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CTA Service
Games Transit Options and Information
The Chicago Transit Authority operates the second largest public transit system in the country. On an average weekday, approximately 1.5 million riders are taken on the CTA. The rapid transit system serves 144 stations on different lines. Most lines travel through the downtown Chicago area and free transfers are provided between the subway and the elevated system.
The first rapid transit line began service in June of 1892. Five years later, the Loop Elevated system opened. Chicago’s “Loop” was named for the elevated rapid transit system that circles the heart of the downtown area. In the 1940’s service in the State Street and Dearborn Street subways began.
Chicago is one of the few cities in the world that has rapid transit system to two major airports. The Blue Line travels from O’Hare to downtown in approximately 40 minutes while the Orange Line connects Midway to the Loop in about 30 minutes. Chicago’s ‘L’ system lines are color coded for simplicity.
CTA also operates over 2,000 buses on nearly 150 different routes and as of 31 August 2004, 95% of these bus routes are now accessible to those with disabilities. The grid pattern of Chicago allows for easy transfers between bus routes and the rapid transit system. Lake Shore Drive provides for quick service along the lakefront on about a dozen routes.
All of the villages selected for Gay Games VII are conveniently connected by the rapid transit system. All buses are equipped to accommodate two bikes on a rack at the front of the vehicle. Outside of the rush hour periods, bikes can be taken on board all of the ‘L’ trains also.
Buses and trains are equipped with voice annunciation systems that announce stops on-board as the vehicle is approaching. All new buses have a low-floor design that allows persons with mobility limitations to easily access the system. Older buses have lifts that allow persons with wheelchairs to board. Rapid transit stations are being improved to allow for wheelchair access. Key stations with elevators allow for movement throughout the rapid transit system.
Fares on the CTA are $1.75 for a one-way trip with an additional 25-cent charge for a transfer. Customers can take advantage of additional discounts by using fare cards and passes.
Reaching Destinations
Traveling around the City and to all of the venues is easy on the CTA “EL” system. O’Hare is served by the Blue Line which also connects through the Dearborn Street subway to the University Sports Village just west of the Loop. The Orange Line provides service from Midway Airport and operates on the elevated structure in the Loop.
The North Sports Village is an easy ride on the Purple Line from downtown. While the Purple Line operates only during extended rush hours in the Loop, local service in the Evanston area (from the Howard Station) is provided from 5 am to 1 am. Outside of rush hours, the Red Line should be used to reach the North Sports Village from downtown with a free transfer to the Purple Line at the Howard Street Station.
Both the Red and Green Lines connect the South Sports Village to downtown. The Red Line operates in the median of the Dan Ryan Expressway while the Green Line operates on an elevated structure approximately 1 mile to the east. Express buses provide direct service from downtown Chicago to the South Sports Village locations.
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