How to Take the Bus in Chicago

The Chicago Transit Authority bus

The city of Chicago has a excellent public transportation system and, unlike other cities, the buses are reliable. Unlike other places that are set up rather haphazardly, Chicago is an easy city to get around in, and you do not need a car. Because of how the bus system works, you can get almost anywhere within walking distance of your destination. Here is how to take the bus in Chicago.

Things You'll Need

• $2 to ride the bus

Instructions

Taking the Bus in Chicago

1. Find the right bus. Chicago has a pretty complex bus system with routes going all over the city in all directions. So before you wait at a bus stop, find the one you need. Go to the Chicago Transit Authority's website and look up the bus routes. On the site, see a comprehensive map of where every bus goes and the route it takes to get there. It shouldn't be difficult to find the best route for you.

2. 

   Find the bus stop. The sign is white and blue. On all of the markers are big, black, bold numbers, that tell you the routes of buses that stop there. Many stops accommodate more than one bus, so make sure you board the right one. Sometimes your bus might be marked on the back, so make sure to check the back, if you don't see your bus number or letter on the front. Once you're at the bus stop, wait until your bus gets there. Remember, the bus is on the way and there is nothing you can do that will make it get there faster.

3. Pay the fare. A ride on a bus in Chicago costs $2 now-cheaper then any taxi you can hail. When you get on the bus, you have to pay the fare right away. This is different than other forms of transportation and other countries. There is a machine as you board, and it takes dollar bills and coins. So if you brought cash, just pay for your single ride there. However, there are other options. You can purchase a bus card from locations throughout the city before your ride. When you buy one of these, you can pay as much money as you want, so when you get on the bus, you just swipe it and your fare is paid. You'll never have to carry cash. This is a great option if you take the bus regularly, or even occasionally. But if you are just visiting and might take a bus a few times, just stick to the pay-as-you-go method.

4. Find a seat. Depending on when you take the bus, and from where, you may or may not find an open seat. If there is one, just go sit down in it and enjoy your ride. No seats are really any better than any other and none is particularly comfortable. (Tip: Sometimes the seats in the conjoining section of the really long buses can be more uncomfortable. Try to avoid these.) The seats in the front of the bus are priority seating, but that does not mean you can not sit there. It just means that when an elderly person or a disabled person gets on the bus, you must give him your seat. If the bus is crowded and you do not find a seat, just find some standing room, grab a railing and hang on. This is perfectly acceptable and often times necessary. Just try to be careful of those around you.

5. Heed the general etiquette rules. There are only a few rules. Food and drink are not allowed on the bus, nor is loud music or horseplay. Treat the bus and the people in it with respect. Don't be loud and obnoxious and give people their personal space. No one likes being crowded, so remember that when you are standing over someone.

Tips & Warnings

• Cell phone use is fine, but don't talk too loudly.

• Though the buses are on schedules, their arrival is often delayed due to traffic and other unforeseen variables. Give yourself plenty of time when traveling to a destination.