Chicago has an extensive and efficient public transportation system that makes it easy and affordable for students to travel within the city and beyond.Plus, you can save money by using travel cards that give you unlimited or discounted rides on certain services. Here are some of the options you have for public transport in Chicago:
Train: The ‘L’ Train is a rapid transit system that runs on elevated tracks throughout the city. It has eight lines that cover 224.1 miles of track and serve 145 stations. The regular fare is $2.50 per ride, and you can transfer to other lines or buses for an additional $0.25 within two hours. You can also buy a one-day pass for $10, a three-day pass for $20, or a seven-day pass for $282. The ‘L’ train is a convenient and fast way to reach most of the major attractions and neighbourhoods in Chicago. One can use the Ventra Card or Amtrak app while using Metra Rail to pay as it is a good option if you want to explore the surrounding areas of Chicago or travel to other destinations in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Indiana.
Buses: Buses are a great option for getting around Chicago and accessing areas that the ‘L’ train does not cover. The city has a large bus network with 1,864 vehicles running on 129 routes and stopping at 10,768 locations. A single ride costs $2.25, and you can switch to another bus or train for $0.25 more within two hours. Alternatively, you can purchase a pass for unlimited rides for one day ($10), three days ($20), or seven days ($28). You can pay with the Ventra Card, app, or any contactless method.
Bike: If you want to bike around the city, you have two options: bring your own bike on public transportation, or use Divvy, the city’s bike-sharing service. Divvy charges $3 for every half-hour of riding, or $15 for a day pass that lets you ride as much as you want, as long as each ride is less than three hours. You can find a Divvy station, get a bike, and pay for your service using the Divvy app or website. Biking is a great way to stay healthy, protect the environment, and see the city.