Developer Center
Welcome, developers!
We’re glad you’re interested in developing applications using data from CTA. This set of new data offerings will be able to help you create interesting new applications and mash-ups that’ll help people get the information they want or need about CTA services, wherever they want to receive it.
The information provided through data feeds includes static schedule and service data (bus and ‘L’ system) in an open format, and APIs that can get you up-to-the-minute information from both CTA Bus Tracker and service information published on transitchicago.com.
In the coming months, we'll continually be working to improve the available tools and content, and we'd love to hear what you think. Drop us a line at webmaster@transitchicago.com.
Transit App Center
Looking for apps? Find them in the App Center!
Want your app listed? If you've developed an application (whether for mobile devices, on the Web or in a public space), tell us about it and we'll consider showcasing it.
Terms of use
To use any of CTA’s APIs or data offerings in your own applications, you’ll need to agree to our Developer License Agreement and Terms of Use.
What’s available
- Bus Tracker API
Provides up-to-the-minute arrival predictions and location data about buses on the CTA system, as well as reroute information.
- Customer Alerts API
Provides status and detailed information about events (both planned and unplanned) affecting service. This is a gateway into the customer alert database that helps to power transitchicago.com.
- General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data
Open format spec used by hundreds of transit agencies to power transit directions in a variety of Web and transit apps, including Google Maps. Many agencies, such as CTA, also share it with the public.
- Do-It-Yourself Bus Tracker Display (beta) New!
This simple Web application makes it easy for you to show CTA bus arrival times, plus weather and service alert information, on a screen for all to see—in your lobby, in your shop, in a window... Anywhere it might help people out!
- RSS Feeds
Simple feeds of information on service and news from CTA, as it becomes available on our Web site.
More information
While we provide the data and maintain the sources, we’re not able to provide support directly in how to write your software. We do, however, provide some pointers and tips to help get you started. There are also some helpful resources online, which we're happy to point you to.
Further reading and help...