Chicago’s first buses were open-top double-decker buses, which entered service for the first time in 1917. In 1950, the last public transportation run of the double-decker was made for the Chicago Motor Coach Company, which would be acquired by the CTA two years later, consolidating transit in Chicago.

Ridership Initiatives are programs specifically designed to introduce people to public transportation and to encourage customers to give the CTA a try. All of the programs below are designed to make riding the CTA as easy and worry-free as starting up a car is for an experienced driver. Just click below to find out how we’re making it easier for you to get on board.

Find out how you can save up to almost 40% on the cost of your Transit Cards by having the cost deducted right out of your paycheck on a pre-tax basis.

Throw an ‘L’ of a Party on a CTA Train. How can you rent a train for your own private party? Click here for the answer, click here.

With a CTA Visitor Pass in hand, you can enjoy unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains anytime, any day, anywhere. To find out more about these great passes and where to buy them, click here.

Full-time students at participating colleges and universities can use their U-Pass to ride CTA buses and trains anytime, any day, anywhere during the school term. For more information, or to find out if your school participates, click here.

This program is designed to attract new area residents to CTA buses and trains. To find out more about this direct mail program, click here.

CTA's Downtown Rush Shuttle is your link between Metra Trains and CTA buses. This rush service is available on several CTA buses from downtown Metra stations 6:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and to downtown Metra stations from selected stops 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. weekdays click here.