When You're Ready, We're Ready

Our #1 goal is to provide a healthy, comfortable commute
Since the start of the pandemic, we at the CTA have worked tirelessly to provide the essential transit service that you and others throughout the region rely on.
As the region slowly reopens, we are ready to get you where you need to go—back to the office, back to school, back to festivals, back to museums, back to farmers markets…back to all the things that make our city great.
CTA buses and trains have been running throughout the pandemic, providing service to essential workers and those needing to make necessary trips. Now, as the city embarks on the “Open Chicago” reopening plan, we are a vital part of those efforts.
When you’re ready to get back to normal, we’re ready to get you there.
What we’re doing
Every day, we are committed to providing you the best possible customer experience and we’re doing so in a number of ways:
- Extensive cleaning—buses, trains and stations cleaned multiple times each day
- Efficient air circulation—air on buses and trains is filtered and exchanged about every minute, and doors frequently open to bring in fresh air
- Rider tools—we have created Ridership Dashboards to help you determine the least-crowded times to travel
What you can do
Public transit works best when we are all considerate of one another. While we continue promote and encourage prudent behaviors, there is a level of personal accountability and common-sense behavior that will be required on the part of you and other customers. Please join us in providing the best commute for everyone!
Transit is essential to the region's recovery. Here's what some leaders are saying:
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping Chicago safely reopen so we can bring employees back to the worksite and get our economy back on track. We must ensure our workers have safe, affordable, and reliable transportation options, and the Chamber is proud to partner with the CTA, see them make transit safe again, and support riders returning to transit.
Jack Lavin, President & CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
The region’s major employers and our economic recovery depend on a safe, reliable, and accessible transit system. We need to make everyone’s commute a positive experience. This is a unique moment for CTA and other transportation agencies to recommit to these fundamentals while embracing innovative solutions to make our transit system better coordinated, more efficient, and more equitable.
Kelly Welsh, President, Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago
The CTA plays a critical role for the City, connecting residents and visitors alike to the various neighborhoods, attractions and businesses that drive the economic viability of Chicago. The pandemic was extremely difficult, but the CTA performed admirably throughout. While other major cities shut down services, the CTA remained operational, serving as a critical resource to transport medical, first responders and other essential workers through the City. Now, as vaccine rates increase and the City reopens, the CTA remains at the center of it all with safe, clean and effective service that is ready to meet the vibrancy and excitement of riders returning to normal.
Kent Swanson, Executive Vice President, Riverside Investment and Development

CTA has earned the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Health & Safety Commitment seal—recognizing our efforts of fulfilling the highest industry commitments for keeping transit safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more