Chicago transit
Transit in this context refers to transportation. Chicago being one of the largest as well as the busiest cities of Unites States , a well knit and organized transportation system operates in the city. In fact , it is the second largest transit system in the United States, after the extensive New York City MTA. Chicago transit system comprises of bus as well as train (better known as rapid transit )services. It not only operates throughout the city but also to some suburban destinations. For the smooth functioning of the transit system , Chicago Transit Authority, also known as CTA was established on October 1,1947. CTA is a municipal corporation that started its operations upon the purchase and combination of the transportation assets of the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and theChicago Surface Lines streetcar system.
The Chicago Transit Authority covers Chicago city and forty surrounding suburbs. In Chicago , the rail system has the highest rider ship. The CTA operates 24 hours each day.On an average , around one million passengers access the buses and trains. CTA consists of more than 2000 buses and trains. The buses operate over 152 routes traveling along 2,273 miles while the rail transit operate over seven routes and 222 miles of track. While the buses serve more than 12,000 posted bus stops , the trains serve 144 stations in Chicago.
Apart from passengers , the transit system also allows to board bicycles. Bicycles are permitted on CTA buses during all operating hours and on CTA trains every weekday except from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays bicycles are allowed on trains all day. But there are certain restrictions to be adhered to. If trains are crowded, the use of trains by cyclists may be restricted by the rail operator as appropriate. A maximum of two bicycles are allowed per train car ; if the train consist is four cars in length, a total of eight bicycles are allowed on that train. But on July3 due to Independence Day celebrations , cycles are not permitted. However, folding bikes may be brought aboard CTA trains and buses during all operating periods, including rush hour.
The CTA generates revenue from farebox collections and also receives supplemental funding for operating expenses from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).In 2006, it received $524 million from the RTA, $479.5 million of which stemmed from sales tax receipts collected in the Chicago region.According to sources, CTA generated 53% of its operating budget mostly from fares and also from advertising, parking, and other services, in 2006.The workforce of Chicago Transit Authority is more than 11,000 people. A notable achievement by CTA was the trip planner on its web site that provides information for public transit in Chicago and surrounding areas. It is multi-modal which combines schedule information for buses, trains, and commuter rail. Riders enter their intended origin and destination, along with optional time, date, and other information, and the trip planner displays itineraries showing the stops, departure and arrival times, and times to get from the origin to the destination.CTA is one such authority that strictly implements all its rules and regulations of the city\\'s transit system.
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