I figured it out!! Now where to buy CTA tickets? (Chicago: hotel, transfer)

[BlsdMama]

Okay! CTA is the Chicago Transit Authority! Hurrah Me.

I can buy 3 day passes for $12 for adults and I can get reduced fair transits that allow two free transfers per ride within two hours of the initial ride. I can also get student passes 10 rides. Can't figure out which is better, but I'll look closer later.

Now since I'll be staying at Lombard, called the hotel and the Downer's Grove Metra stop is the closest stop. But there is no ticket agent there on Sundays. So how can I, without lots of pain and effort, purchase these tickets on Sunday AM? I called CTA but they tell me there isn't enough time to ship the cards to me. So I need an alternative.

Oh I wish I had researched this part sooner! On the other hand - public transportation, I'm so jealous. Wish we had it.......

VERY excited for our trip.

[PAKennedy]

Buy them at one of these convenient locations! Haha. They're pretty quick and easy. Like doing the self checkout machines at a grocery store.

[via chicago]

Just so you are aware, Metra and CTA operate on different tickets. The systems are seperate.

[jessiegirl_98]

You can buy the metra tickets onboard the metra. You need to buy the CTA tickets ahead of time (but at the station). As via chicago suggested, they are not interchangable!

[via chicago]

To be more specific on how the two systems differ:

CTA: you typically buy your ticket at an automated machine at the stop (or somewhere else ahead of time), and then insert it into a turnstyle which allows you through to the platform. CTA trains are not zoned: i.e. it costs you the same to go one stop as it does to ride the entire line. there are no conductors, aside from the driver

Metra: you can buy your ticket either in the station if an attendent is on duty (this is the only way I know of to get the discounted or bulk ride tickets), or you can buy a single ride ticket while on the train. when the conductor comes around, you need to tell him where you got on at and where you're getting off. Metra lines are "zoned". Therefore, its cheaper to travel shorter distances, and more to travel longer. While you can get your ticket on the train, also be aware that if an attendant happens to be on duty at the station you boarded, the conductor will charge an extra $2. If there is no attendant on duty, then there is no extra charge.

But again, its important to understand the difference.

Metra is heavy rail connecting suburbs and the city:


CTA: city elevated rail and buses

[BlsdMama]

Ugh. So I'll need a ticket for the Metra to get to the city from Oak Brook / Lombard and then a ticket from CTA to use the El? Are ya kiddin' me? I thought it was all one and the same.

[Drover]

No such luck, unfortunately.

[prairiestate]

Try taking the Eisenhower to Forest Park (Des Plaines Ave.), that's the end of the line for the Blue Line (the EL). There's a park and ride lot there ($2), then you can buy your fare cards in the station and hop right on the El, dispensing with Metra altogether. Metra only runs every 2 hours on weekends anyway.

[BlsdMama]

Hey ~ Now that's problem solving! THank you!

Blessings,
Kelly

Okay so drive to park and ride, then use the El to get around the city. Sounds fabulous! Oh, getting SO excited!

[prairiestate]

To be a bit more specific, from Lombard you'll hop on I-88, (the Regan Tollway), and that ends at the Eisenhower. Or to avoid the toll, take Roosevelt Rd., it's nearly as quick, it's like a freeway from Rt. 83 to the county line. You can get on the Eisenhower off of Roosevelt Rd. Exit Des Plaines Ave., make a left turn at the end of the ramp, and the station will be to your left. Leaving the station, there is a driveway leading directly onto the ramp for the Eisenhower.