If you are a CTA rider looking for general transit information, please visit the official CTA website.
Routes
The CTA currently has 153 bus routes that serve more than 2,500 miles and nearly 12,000 bus stops. The latest route map, along with individual bus schedules, is available for download on the official Chicago Transit Authority web site. An archive of older maps is available at Chicago-L.org. Individual bus stops, and scheduled arrival times, can also be viewed on Google Maps.
Fare Collection
(For information regarding current CTA fares, please visit the faretable on CTA's web site.)
Fares are collected on CTA buses using GFI Genfare fareboxes that were purchased in 1986. The equipment accepts both dollar bills and coins. An extension from Cubic Transportation Systems was added to the fareboxes in the mid-90s to allow for the processing of magnetic strip transit cards and the Chicago Card/Chicago Card Plus smart cards.
In 2005, the CTA began installing “Go Lanes” on all modern, low-floor buses (with the exception of the 500-series Optimas). On a Go Lane bus, the Chicago Card/Chicago Card Plus sensor is relocated opposite the driver. This configuration theoretically allows for two customers to board and pay fares simultaneously, thus speeding up the boarding process.
Run Numbers
This run number tells us that this is a North Park Garage bus operating a block run on the #22 Clark.
Like most transit systems, the CTA uses run numbers to keep track of its daily bus runs.
The run number for a bus is displayed in the lower corner of the windshield. Run numbers contain three pieces of information about that particular run. The first letter or number is the garage code for the bus’ assigned garage. The remaining digits provide information about the route number and run type (Full-time, block run, or part-time).
Run numbers are assigned based on earliest finish, and in cases of interlining, based on the route the run spends most of its time operating. Extra routes for schools or special events are often assigned in order of report time, rather than finish time.
Visit the garages section for a full list of assigned routes and their associated run numbers.
Head Signs
All CTA buses use either flip-dot or LED head signs.
6400-series Nova buses #6400 thru #6708 use LED-backlit flip-dots. Backlit flip-dots improve upon the original flip-dot technology, as they are illuminated by LEDs behind each mechanical dot. Historically, flip-dot signs received illumination only by a florescent bulb. Visit Wikipedia for more information on flip-dot display technology.
6400-series Nova buses #6709 thru #6883 were the first CTA buses to use amber LED destination signs. Unlike the older flip-dot technology, LED signs allow for maximum visibility at night and are less prone to mechanical issues. LED signs became standard on all CTA buses following the 6400-series. The 6000-series Flixble Metro buses received LED signs during their mid-life rehabilitation.
Destination signs are controlled using an internal LCD control panel from Clever Devices. The destination sign is set automatically when the driver enters his or her run number. The Clever Devices software determines the proper destination sign. When the bus reaches its terminal, the destination sign automatically changes to reflect the next trip.
Automated Voice Annunciation System
In 2002, the CTA began installing an automated voice annunciation system (AVAS) from Clever Devices on all buses. This system automatically makes next-stop and external route identification announcements. Whenever the bus doors open, a sound clip announcing the bus route and destination is played through an external speaker (eg. “Route 29 State to Navy Pier”). Inside the bus, next-stop information is communicated both audibly and visually. Approximately one block before a stop, the name of the stop is played through the bus’ public address system. The stop name is also displayed on a LED sign located at the front of the bus. In addition to showing the next stop, the LED sign also displays the current time and date along with the “Stop Requested” notice. The system also plays public service announcements at every quarter hour.
The announcement system works using both global positioning (satellite-based) and logical positioning (distance-based) systems to determine the location of a bus and make the appropriate next-stop announcement.
Passenger Counting
Many newer CTA buses make use of an automatic passenger counting system from Clever Devices.
Passengers are counted as they board and alight the bus and records are kept with relationships to individual stops, routes, and runs. Passenger counting is performed using a dual beam infrared sensor located at both the front and rear doors (see image at right). The sensor counts each passenger in the direction they pass the sensors. Passenger counts are stored on the bus and downloaded into a master database.
Automatic Vehicle Location (“Bus Tracker”)
An LED sign installed inside a bus shelter on Madison at Jefferson displays the estimated arrival of the next two buses. Additional LED signs have yet to be installed at additional locations.
On August 5, 2006, the CTA launched the Bus Tracker pilot program. Bus Tracker allows riders to view estimated arrival times of buses along a particular route by visiting ctabustracker.com using a Web-enabled computer or cell phone.
Bus Tracker is powered by Clever Devices’ BusTime technology. The system harnesses global positioning satellite technology previously installed on buses as part of the automated voice annunciation system. Wireless data modems that make use of the Sprint cellular network are installed on buses to transmit location data to servers in real time. Allowing customers to track bus locations is only one benefit of the technology, as field supervisors are also able to use the data to reduce bus delays and bunching.
On April 23, 2007, the CTA announced plans to expand Bus Tracker systemwide. Currently, more than half the fleet is equipped with the necessary Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology required for Bus Tracker. Additional routes are steadily being added to the public Bus Tracker Web site each month, with deployment scheduled to be completed by early 2009.
Radio Frequencies
You can monitor the activities of the CTA on the following radio frequencies:
- Bus Supervisor Channels: 470.5375, 470.6375
- CPD Transit Detail: 472.9375