3 public transportation agencies serve Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are:
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
- Metra Commuter Rail
- Pace Suburban Bus Company
For detailed information on CTA, Metra and Pace routes, schedules and accessibility features, call the RTA Travel Information Center at: 312-836-7000/312-836-4949 (V/TTY) or go to: www.rtachicago.com
CTA
The CTA system covers the City of Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs. Currently, 125 of CTA’s 143 bus routes are accessible to persons with disabilities. Lifts and ramps on all buses of those routes are available for use by anyone who has trouble with steps. Some, but not all, buses have automated audio and visual stop announcements.
CTA’s rapid transit cars operate over 7 routes and serve 144 stations. Currently, approximately 65 of CTA’s 144 train stations are accessible to persons with disabilities. The 4 CTA train stations currently* serving the UIC campuses are:
The CTA system covers the City of Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs. Currently, 125 of CTA’s 143 bus routes are accessible to persons with disabilities. Lifts and ramps on all buses of those routes are available for use by anyone who has trouble with steps. Some, but not all, buses have automated audio and visual stop announcements.
CTA’s rapid transit cars operate over 7 routes and serve 144 stations. Currently, approximately 65 of CTA’s 144 train stations are accessible to persons with disabilities. The 4 CTA train stations currently* serving the UIC campuses are:
- UIC-Halsted: accessible via ramp
- Racine: accessible via ramp (partially accessible; not ADA compliant)
- Clinton: accessible via ramp (partially accessible; not ADA compliant)
- Polk: accessible via elevator.
ALERT: The Polk station is not open on weekends and has limited hours on weekdays after 11:30 p.m. For the current Polk Station Blue Line timetable, call the RTA Travel Information Center at: 312-836-7000/312-836-4949 (V/TTY) or go to: http://www.rtachicago.com/
*The CTA is currently considering changes to the train route (the “Blue Line) that serv1es UIC. For more information, contact CTA or RTA.
CTA U-Pass and Waiver
The UIC CTA U-Pass is available to full time graduate students from the Graduate College. All eligible students are assessed a nonrefundable CTA Transportation fee. The U-pass is valid for CTA travel during the semester as well as 5 days before classes begin and the 5 days after finals.
Students with documented disabilities that impact their ability to use CTA service should contact ODS to petition for a fee waiver.
Students with documented disabilities that impact their ability to use CTA service should contact ODS to petition for a fee waiver.
Metra
Metra operates twelve commuter train lines that serve all 6 counties in metropolitan Chicago. Each train has at least one accessible car, which can be identified by the “access” symbol near the train car doors. Downtown terminals feature audio announcement systems. Communication cards are available upon request.
131 of Metra’s 230 stations are fully accessible (meet ADA requirements) and 31 are partially accessible. Customers who use wheelchairs at partially accessible stations will be able to access train platforms and the street. However, ramps, ticket windows, etc. may not fully conform to the ADA.
Metra operates twelve commuter train lines that serve all 6 counties in metropolitan Chicago. Each train has at least one accessible car, which can be identified by the “access” symbol near the train car doors. Downtown terminals feature audio announcement systems. Communication cards are available upon request.
131 of Metra’s 230 stations are fully accessible (meet ADA requirements) and 31 are partially accessible. Customers who use wheelchairs at partially accessible stations will be able to access train platforms and the street. However, ramps, ticket windows, etc. may not fully conform to the ADA.
Pace
Pace provides suburban bus service within the 6 county northeast region. All 650 of the systems fixed route buses are equipped with either a mechanical lift or low-floor ramp. Many buses "kneel" to improve access and some, but not all, buses have automated audio and visual stop announcements. Communication cards are available upon request.
Pace provides suburban bus service within the 6 county northeast region. All 650 of the systems fixed route buses are equipped with either a mechanical lift or low-floor ramp. Many buses "kneel" to improve access and some, but not all, buses have automated audio and visual stop announcements. Communication cards are available upon request.
CTA and Pace Paratransit Services:
Both CTA and Pace provide complementary paratransit (door to door) services within a ¾ mile radius of fixed route services. If you are unable to use fixed route services because of your disability, you can apply for CTA/Pace paratransit certification. Be prepared to submit documentation of your disability. To apply for paratransit certification, call the RTA at:
Both CTA and Pace provide complementary paratransit (door to door) services within a ¾ mile radius of fixed route services. If you are unable to use fixed route services because of your disability, you can apply for CTA/Pace paratransit certification. Be prepared to submit documentation of your disability. To apply for paratransit certification, call the RTA at:
(312) 663-4357 Voice
(312) 913-3122 TTY
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TIP: A benefit for RTA certified paratransit riders is automatic eligibility to participate in the Taxi Access Program (TAP). TAP gives certified paratransit customers an opportunity to travel in taxis (automobile or accessible min-van) at reduced rates for trips that originate in Chicago.
RTA Reduced Fare Program:
The Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) reduced fare program allows qualified riders with disabilities to receive a 50% discount on all Pace, CTA and Metra fixed route services. Be prepared to submit documentation of your disability. To register for the RTA reduced program call the RTA:
The Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) reduced fare program allows qualified riders with disabilities to receive a 50% discount on all Pace, CTA and Metra fixed route services. Be prepared to submit documentation of your disability. To register for the RTA reduced program call the RTA:
(312) 913-3110 Voice
(312) 913-3111 TTY
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