The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates one of the nation’s largest public transportation systems and covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. On an average weekday, 953,787 rides are taken on CTA.
The CTA is an independent governmental agency created by state legislation. We began operating on October 1, 1947, after acquiring the properties of the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines. On October 1, 1952, CTA became the sole operator of Chicago transit when it purchased the Chicago Motor Coach system.