Getting around (driving) in Chicago

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by BlsdMama

Okay, this is a very naive question, but there is corn on every side of our town and I've never even SEEN a subway, lol...

So when people say there is a "train" or "rapid transit" or "CTA" are they all talking about the same thing?

(Feeling a bit embarassed here.)
For example, our hotel has a free shuttle to the "train" it tells me. What the heck does that mean? The subway? And I swear I'm very competent.... dh and I won't get lost and we CAN read a map. We're just used to driving EVERYWHERE. However, he despises Cedar Rapids and the 5 traffic lights he has to go through at 5:00, so it might be ugly to have him drive in Chicago.

the CTA is short for Chicago Transit Authority. They manage the busses and trains within the city. For trains, the tracks are almost all elevated..hence the nickname the L. there are portions that run underground (and some also are in expressway medians), but no one calls it the "subway". you'll get weird looks if you call it that. the lines are all designated by different colors (blue, red, yellow, brown, etc). the L is pretty much confined to the city limits and a couple inner suburbs. the suburbs are served by a different train service called Metra. Also, I'm not sure if you're aware but you can take Metra to Brookfield Zoo. It has its own dedicated stop (on the BNSF line out of Union Station)

"L"
http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/rail/railmapnew.gif (broken link)


Metra:
http://www.dalailamachicago.com/images/new-system_map_2007.gif (broken link)

[jessiegirl_98]

You can park for $7 at Gino's East. You can also plan all public transportation at Chicago Transit Authority | 1-888-YOURCTA and there is a free trolley around some areas in the city. It's really up to you. I would opt to park (you can always either find street parking or garages depending on the neighborhood) because figuring out public transportation and minding the children won't be easy, BUT if you are a very nervous driver, you might just want to public transpo it...

[BlsdMama]

I think I've got this. You guys are awesome.

Well, I've gotta say that parking for us would be incredibly expensive - $15 at Shedd, $8 at Brookfield, $7 to go eat, another $20 to go to Lincoln Park and then to Chinatown...... Not to mention navigating a 15 passenger van in Chicago and finding parking sounds less than ideal.

Thank you so much for the help. I am very grateful. I have a tendency to plan, plan, plan. I'm pretty sure I'll have it all mapped out before we go and the kids are pretty easy to keep track of ~ two adults, one helpful eleven year old, and five well behaved little people.