How to use Public Transportation in Chicago | CTA - L Train & Buses

[@yiffytimes]

One bit of advice from a local. Leave your phone somewhere else other than your hands. Phones have been known to get stolen out of someone's hands. West and south sides on the L can be kind of tricky safety wise. So be careful, take a bus going south when heading that way.

[@cosmicviewer477]

Thanks for this. I'll be visiting Chicago for the first time really soon, and when I visit large and medium-sized cities, I always use transit, as opposed to renting a car, so this is super helpful.

[@travellyoung1424]

I have some tips too using the Cta (bus) 1. Have your fare ready 2. Please read the destination signs that’s bright orange in front of the bus( it tells you what route you’re on and where the bus is going) 3. Is operator’s do not carry change( exact fair please) 4. Please pay attention too where you want to get off at. The bus is a heavy moving vehicle and cannot stop on a dime so if you ring the bell for your stop last minute you’re going to be getting off at the next stop. 5. Please stand behind the yellow line and not by the operator. 6. Please do not block the front door. Us operators use that door to look down side streets for approaching vehicles. 7. Please use headphones while listening to audio on your phone. It’s a distraction. 8. Plan out your trip!!!! Bus operators are not google maps, we don’t live in the area that we are driving and wouldn’t know what address you’re looking for. 9. Please don’t put your face around the shield or put your phones in our face while we’re driving!!! 10. The bus stop is actually 80ft and not just at the sign or shelter. If the operators open the doors because it’s another bus in front walk to the bus, if you wait for the bus to pull up too you you’ll get left. 11. Don’t WAVE AT THE BUS(especially down town. That can signal a cab to drive in front of the bus) we can see you and probably saw you at the bus stop a few streets down.

[@TheRalphie2020]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@maxine.v]

lol I remember figuring out the cta when I was like fourteen and accidentally going the wrong way but it's super easy to switch over if you are going the wrong way

[@CairaButton]

We’ve all done it😅 i still do it on certain stops I go to all the time and am like HOW do I keep messing this up lol

[@pinebirdherbs]

Visiting for 2 weeks in late February and your videos have me SO stoked!!

[@meriahmakes6870]

Very informative and concise! I’m sure many visitors and new Chicagoans will find this helpful!

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!! I hope it helps people ☺️

[@mroberts566]

I’m in Chicago for a few days, and this vid helps a lot.

[@robwilson2128]

Thank you for doing your video! However, my 6 year old son who loves to ride the train, noticed that you didn't mention the purple line. Which runs Monday -Friday to the Loop and Saturday and Sunday to Howard it's a fun Express to take! Just wanted to let you and your subscribers know!

[@CairaButton]

That’s a great point!

[@UrUrbanRockstar]

Thank you for finally doing this video!

[@CairaButton]

It was long overdue!!

[@robertpreston2220]

When people visit the city the part they love the most is the trains and busses! I just had a friend visit from Florida and he loves so many things. But he could not get enough of the trains

[@CairaButton]

I freaking love them!

[@robertpreston2220]

@@CairaButton I do as well!

[@baileyring6090]

Thank you so much! My sister and I are traveling to Chicago next week and I'm so excited to use what I learned! :)

[@martinsmith5520]

Wow, makes me want to move to Chicago. Thank you, it was very clear and very informative

[@CairaButton]

I’m glad you liked it!!

[@hereforthevideoessays6399]

Thank you for making this so that I can share with friends visiting this city!

[@CairaButton]

Yay I hope it helps!!

[@lizpeterson7342]

This is super informational! Wish I would have had a video like this when I first moved to Chicago.

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!! I remember being super overwhelmed with it when I first moved too lol

[@budgetrebelgoals]

Great video

[@CairaButton]

Thanks! :)

[@thomashuggett2289]

Thanks!

[@mikethenooberton]

Very helpful video!

[@mic1240]

It is not only system which runs above ground, much of NYC runs elevated even called subway, just like L called L when a subway or surface level

[@chicago-l9125]

You got that right. in fact, when you get beyond Manhattan like out to the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York has 3 times more elevated lines than Chicago.

[@catmama54]

Great video and would love to visit Chicago someday

[@CairaButton]

Do it do it!

[@kBB_3773]

Thank you for the info, very helpful. I myself love the convenience and privacy of a car..public transit stresses me out but to each their own. 😊

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Good morning happy Wednesday morning and I just wanted to say that I loved your holiday trip vlogs because you are sweetheart and you are amazing Supporter

[@CairaButton]

Thank you so much!

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

@@CairaButton of course

[@osagiee.guobadia-secondytc4624]

You are a good expert on buses and trains on the Chicago Transportation Authority. 👍😀 Similar to MTA in parts of New York when it comes to the Transportation of buses and trains.

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!

[@osagiee.guobadia-secondytc4624]

@@CairaButton No problem. : )

[@alxrdnck]

I didn’t know you could let friends in with your ventra card, cool!

[@CairaButton]

Yess makes it so easy!

[@trentgroomsmusic]

⁠@@CairaButtoncan 2 people share a Ventura card if visiting for the weekend? I got lost between the L pass kiosk and Ventura card on Apple Pay lol

[@roadtripping]

The app is great for out of towners because we don't have to worry about buying a physical card. I'm already set up and ready to go and I haven't even boarded my flight yet.

[@rosealcantara2649]

Very helpful and well filmed!

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!!

[@michaelnobles2643]

The L is so cool!

[@CairaButton]

I am a huge fan!

[@jessikacisneros8083]

Can't wait. Going 2 month . I hope . Don't get lose. Midway to Down town

[@diamondqueen8578]

Very helpful video

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!

[@1niley2forever3]

Great video!! My only pointer is breathe & slow down when talking lol I love doing 3 day weekend trips to Chicago - I usually use SpotHero for parking my car & get a 3 day ventra pass

[@kuldeeppatel3318]

Thank you for sharing this video🙂👍

[@jaycastro8066]

Going to share this with my clients the next time they ask how the CTA works

[@CairaButton]

Yessss so many people are intimidated at first!

[@samuelpreciado1336]

Do you have to show or swipe your card like at the elevated train on the bus or it’s just hop on?

[@budgetrebelgoals]

That's my city

[@CairaButton]

🙌🙌🙌

[@jugganuat6440]

My titie too

[@aeimiller2740]

Ayyyyyy

[@rsullivan1]

She is so sweet and informative! However, I was born and raised in this city (almost 40 years) and I will warn you about the things she didn’t. She was spot on with most things and Yes public trans is extremely easy to reach almost anywhere in the city and can’t beat the price BUT that comes at a cost. If she hasn’t noticed the things I’m about to mention then she is not riding the CTA. Bet. I grew up riding the trains and bus so I’m a Public Trans vet but switched to driving for the last 15 years or so. I was in a car accident a few months ago and decided to just get by on Ubers and the CTA until I purchased a new car and holy 💩 are the trains disgusting now. You will be LUCKY to get on a Blue or Red line train that 1. doesn’t have a homeless person/people sleeping across the seats and on the platforms. 2. Doesn’t reek of human excrement or other odors 3. smoking either cigarettes or weed YES SMOKING ON THE ACTUAL TRAIN! 4. Playing loud rap music on a speaker or phone One guy was shadow boxing with the train door and screaming obscenities to it. While there were small children riding! The red line (or as OG Chicagoans call it, The “blood” line) is the worst. The North/Clybourn station is like walking straight down to hell. Don’t let that beautiful Apple Store upstairs fool you. Avoid it. I’ve never been directly a victim of a crime but witnessed a man master bating on the blue line, a girl threatened to stab me on the green line (she was mentally ill) and a woman (talking to her own demons) actually did stab a rider in the stomach right in front of my mom. 3 weeks ago, 2 very high men got on the Irving Park bus, 1 dropped his baggy of drugs on the floor, had snot all over his face and couldn’t even sit up straight. Very disturbing. I’ve emailed CTA and reported these things and they basically say they are working to offer more programs to help the homeless community but will NEVER approach them to address breaking the “rules” of riding. 2 weeks ago, I got on at the Chicago Red line stop to take up north after leaving an appointment by the Water Tower and there was a man, sitting in the middle of the train car smoking weed. I grabbed my daughter and jumped off just before the doors closed. Paid $26 for an Uber home and bought a car the next day. I should hope to never get back on a CTA train. Also, Just Uber to the airport. It’s about $30 but worth not having to breathe in vile smells all the way to O’Hare on that gross Blue line. Sorry CTA, but you know damn well I’m right 🙂 Good luck all!

[@GraceFay]

I completely agree with you! I wish I was able to have a car reasonably in the city, but with the cost of a parking spot, difficulty of parking, and overall costs of having a car, it’s just not possible for a lot of people. Some tips/ tricks to help people out: As a frequent red line and blue line user, I actually prefer the red line. Blue line is unreliable for accurate times and coming consistently, which also adds into why it feels unsafe for me personally. I’ve witnessed a woman per into a cup on the red line, and another woman pee herself in the station, and many other homeless people on the train. Right now, especially during winter time, the homeless population is skyrocketing on the train, because they’re riding it to stay warm. If you are riding the train, I always stay towards the front/middle cars, never the back, and scout out the train I’m going into before I enter. If it looks off, I move to a different one. If you get in and things are off, wait at the door and switch trains at the next stop. Overall, I highly recommend taking the bus over the train if you’re worried about anything. A bus has a bus driver, who can directly see what’s going on, vs a train where the conductor is only in the first car. Just general advice for everyone! Public transport is not always clean and not always glamorous, but it will get you where you need to go

[@rsullivan1]

@@GraceFay yes absolutely! The blue and Red run 24 hours so homeless stay on them to keep warm. Now at Ohare (end of Blue line) they do make everyone exit but the homeless just drag all their stuff across the platform onto the next outbound train and keep it going. They won’t exit to find a restroom since that means paying a new fare to get back on so yes they relieve themselves on the train or platforms. Bus is a better bet as far as having a driver available but I also witnessed 2 people snorting cocaine on the Grand bus and the driver said nothing. So depends on how attentive the driver is ….also you have to wait in the COLD for the bus if that tracker is off. I never looked at Owning a car in the city as a luxury but guess it is a little…I moved out of the Loop 15 mins northwest to Roscoe Village and there is a ton of free parking, so depends on the neighborhood you live in.

[@CairaButton]

Ok #1 I literally ride CTA daily, #2 this is a how to video, not a “let me tell you all of the worst case scenarios about riding CTA” video. Also maybe it’s just me but seeing a homeless person peacefully sleep on a warm train doesn’t bother me. They aren’t doing anything to me. I see sleeping kids al the time and they don’t bug me either. I just stay in my lane💁🏽‍♀️

[@rsullivan1]

@@CairaButton none of the info you gave was incorrect just keeping it real for people visiting so they aren’t surprised. These things happen on a regular. Not trying to criticize your video but these are facts. It’s nothing new, it’s just gotten worse is all I’m saying. …a sleeping child on the train is NOT the same as a sleeping homeless person who is laying across 4 seats and reeks of urine. Or a homeless person drugged out sleeping or smoking on the train. The ride should be enjoyable for everyone. These scenarios do not make riding enjoyable. Maybe you don’t mind watching someone shooting Heroine into their ankle because they aren’t “bothering you” but I do. And I dont want my 9 year old daughter to see it either. Just a fair warning, that’s it. No hate.

[@1niley2forever3]

It’s a big city…i hate to say this but homeless people are kind of expected? Specially on public transport. Everything you pointed out, I’ve experienced in any big city I’ve been to, not just Chicago. & let’s me just tell you - I’ve been to Seattle & Chicago in the last 6 months - Seattle is 10x worse when it comes to this issue

[@LMiraculous]

This subway reminds me of nyc!

[@willgibson9718]

Can you please make a video about metra Chicago ?

[@Professor_Giggles]

This is useful, thank you!!

[@KamJ2010]

You may want to check the fares and update. It is $2.50 first ride, $.25 first transfer within two hours, 3rd transfer is free. (Same with the busses, excpt first ride is $2.25) Oh and may wanrt to clarify which airport cost $5.00 (Which is O'Hare). But great video.

[@patriciamandaka7940]

Very helpful video and it's so simple. Quick question. I'm not sure I understood. Is the round-trip $2.50 in total if you return in less than 2 hours? But for more than 2 hours you'd pay another $2.50?

[@CairaButton]

Yes that is correct!!

[@ashjcoronado]

Can you pay for it with a regular Apple Pay card you have on the wallet app on the phone?

[@alicespero705]

Hey! You said that if your ride doesn't take longer than 2h the ride is free now??? How does that work? Can you explain? Thank you so much for this vid!

[@YAOMTC]

A bit late but you misunderstood. It's a *transfer* from one bus/train to another bus/train, so you don't have to pay multiple times on one

[@alaingagnon2321]

Hi. If I have a 3 days pass. Do my wife and daughter need one to? Or we can use the same? Thx

[@xymaryai8283]

i am soo confused about American rail networks, when i look up " train network" its completely hit or miss if i find a regional, suburban, or metro system, mainly suburban and metro. as an Australian Melbournian, we have regional, and a "combined" suburban metro. some systems look like absolutely spaghetti, and some look neat and easy to use, but far more often a disconnected mess that looks far more like a Tram network.

[@kathleencraig3804]

question: when you get to L train how do you pay is there window and if husband is using his credit card with symbol how does he pay for both ? going to lincoln park (zoo) from LaSalle/Ohio should we take the CTA bus? which one & where do we catch bus?thx

[@Ricfugian]

thank you for the info, what is the name of the app exactly to look for on Iphone?

[@Beatle911]

I'm planning to go to Chicago in Sept for "All Out" which will have about 12,000 people at the United Center. How screwed will I be at night if I stay by Wicker Park and surrounding areas in terms of safety when I go back from the pink to blue line?

[@mic1240]

While always have to be on watch out, is just factually false narrative Chicago has more crime. Always keep eyes open, are things that happen on CTA, but you’re not in rough area if Wicker Park, even as it (like pretty much anywhere in US) isn’t immune to crime. That train runs 24/7, in middle of night less frequently than weekday rush times. Often after sporting events (with bigger crowds) lots of people doing same thing. IMO big flaw CTA did when reopened pink line was not having a stop near United Center, green or blue lines will be closer stops. Some people go out to East of UC where restaurants and bars, walk west to UC too.

[@maythesolis2940]

Does my 7 year old need a ventra card too? For bus.

[@violetmora3420]

I want to add money to my Ventra card, but it’s asking me what station I will be leaving from, and I don’t know what station it is I am going from Quincy to Midway

[@zapy422]

What's the name of the app for real time tracking of trains, buses?

[@edmondparkins1861]

I pretty much know every single line of the CTA as a born Chicagoan.

[@SundaySpeaks]

Where do we get the cards you mentioned?

[@MyGeraldine25]

How safe is it to take the train with me and my teen daughter from the mdw airport to downtown and how long does it take

[@CairaButton]

I use the train every day!

[@alwaysforever213]

I'll be in Chicago on the 6th to the 10th, any places you recommend for mom and pop shops?

[@KikeAlducin]

Hi, do you know if Can i pay with my contactless credit card from a foreign bank? (Mexican bank) We are 2 people traveling for 5 days do we need a card each for buses and trains ? Does the bus drivers allow to pay for 2 persons with one card?

[@JonathanGarcia-cz4bl]

ive been to chicago 2 times and i still have not been to the l

[@marcellagamble6633]

Where does Linden train goes to in Chicago

[@Franz119]

so going from o'hare to the city is $5, can I just purchase the 7-day pass already and also use that to get out of the airport?

[@sunnygibbs925]

I’m wondering & thinking the same thing.

[@Franz119]

@@sunnygibbs925 i came back from chicago and i bought the ticket from o’hare to the city separately! If ur staying at the loop and around that area, i’d suggest walking if ur used to it. If you’ve been to nyc, chicago’s an easy walk :)

[@srinidhireddy5768]

Hi! Thank you for this video! Im a medical student and i have a rotation in Evanston- and i wanted to find out what the best way for me to commute is? I'm still unsure about my housing situation but if i can commute back and forth i'm considering staying in Chicago. Thoughts?

[@nicolettepeters]

the purple line goes to evanston! it goes from the loop to evanston and has a few stops in lincoln park as well, so lincoln park could be a convenient area to live in if you don't want to live in evanston

[@laurainda613]

is the app still called transit stop?

[@thomasm4155]

Also if you pay for the metro/ train every time you are dumb you can hop over it or you and a friend can walk through at the same time you can tell she’s not from there

[@sunnygibbs925]

😂😂😂..I guess that’s only for those who are nimble & slim 😂😂😂

[@MightyMax404]

Don't know where you got the 1833 fact, but the first L train ran in 1892. Chicago was not even around in 1833.

[@1987tvfreak]

It was just a village, but yes it was around.

[@Anonymouslikemydad]

1:28 you forgot the purple line

[@sbeckas]

Any free WIFI on Chicago transit modes?

[@CairaButton]

No unfortunately haven’t seen that yet

[@MsGorteck]

Ok, I realize that you are a real estate broker and that your job is not to teach about the L, but could you have gone SLIGHTLY more in depth about the L? You tell us about Trader Joes. Also, perhaps I have missed it, but could, (do??) you mention where public transportation is in relation to the places you show? I personally would find that really, really, helpful. Yes, I'm thinking I will be moving to Chicago and I know very, little about the city in regards to where places I am applying to and how I might get there. Public transportation is going to be essential. Thank you

[@sunnygibbs925]

Google maps would help you. Press the “directions arrow” button and type in the start address & destination address & the options for public trans come up with estimated times

[@micheledreams4771]

VERY helpful video!! Will you be doing more like this? I might be moving to Chicago. I used to live in Cleveland and the transportation system was ok but not as good as I read or heard about before I moved there. So I was pretty disappointed. I had to walk what seemed like miles to get to my destination after I took a bus or the rapid. So my question is does Chicago have plenty of bus stops along the way where I won’t find myself walking and walking to wherever I’m going? Lol I know that no matter which City I move to, it’s not going to be perfect but I guess I just need some encouragement that this is a much better transportation system than when I was in Cleveland. Thanks for any help you can give me regarding this matter.

[@CairaButton]

Chicago has tons of bus stops!! You can just about always get super close.

[@old_lem]

Is it safe?

[@bobbish782]

Your chances of something happening right in Downtown in the middle of a workday are about 50/50. Late-night and weekends, that increases to about 70%. Head West or South on the "L" and you may never be heard from again.

[@tss77]

How about staying alive riding the CTA Buses and L Trains.

[@kylechellino2579]

You're in Chicago? We should meet up!

[@James.YouTube]

Amazing video! Just a tip. I think it’s time for you to split your channel. Your real estate stuff like this and apartment videos should be separate from your blogs.

[@jones2277]

it's always so late.

[@IsraelMiller-r2d]

Larkin Unions

[@robertbyington7715]

Here is the best thing you can do with the CTA with the violence being what it is STAY OFF IT

[@zebulonreynaud919]

just be careful to the ni-

[@jasonmims5057]

$200 to go from the airport to downtown Chicago!!! That's a crime against humanity. ☹️☹️☹️😨😨😨😰😰

[@CairaButton]

Seriously! It was absurd!!!

[@Anonymouslikemydad]

$200? You mean $2.50?

[@MyGeraldine25]

What ????? That’s what you paid ?

[@TwainRhys-p2p]

Chadd Plain

[@Sa-xu6ze]

Too fast talking too much information

[@bobbish782]

Here's advice from this 60-year-old lifelong Chicagoan. Want to know how to use Public Transportation in Chicago? Don't.

[@rpajares]

You speak so fast that I can't follow you.

[@englishedge1988]

You're really cute.

[@duongpham989]

Talking way too fast like you’ve never been able to talk before. Pls slow down a bit. Still tks for the vid!

[@ericrodriguez28]

How do i tell the L train which is my stop?

[@garrettjohnson3436]

There’s a bunch of other elevated trains. New York has more miles elevated than underground.

[@garrettjohnson3436]

Also you said 1833 when it’s actually 1893.