Summer Events and Festivals Mean Fun in RTA Region

June 13, 2014

Avoid Traffic Jams on the Way to "Jam"

Chicago – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is reminding riders that the fastest and most convenient way to get around this summer is by taking public transit. The fun is just a short ride away on a bus or train and a great way to avoid the congestion and delays in Chicago’s famous summer or “construction” season as the Kennedy Expressway closures begin. Your choices include:

• Take Metra’s Union Pacific West line into the Ogilvie Transportation Center from the western suburbs and make your way to Grant Park for The Blues Fest (June 13^th -15^th), the largest free blues festival in the world.

• Board a Blue Line CTA train from downtown Chicago for the Wicker Park Green Music Fest (June 21^st & 22^nd) and enjoy a wide assortment of music, art and children’s activities.

• Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and hop on Metra’s North Central Service Line at Union Station to Long Grove for the Strawberry Festival (June 20^th) to immerse yourself in the scenery of a small historic town while taking in some great food and entertainment.

“Our transit system is the best way to reach your favorite destinations, whether it’s planning a mid-week visit to the museum, enjoying a night out for dinner or participating with hundreds of concert goers at one of the many free performances held at Chicago’s Grant Park,” said Acting RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden.

Riders can use the RTA’s Trip Planner to plan travel and select routes with handicap accessible services when necessary. It is the only online site in the region that provides a variety of options for getting around our region, including transit, walking, bicycling and driving. For more information about how the RTA Trip Planner can help you plan your next trip, visit www.RTAchicago.org. Not sure where to go? Visit websites like Metromix (http://chicago.metromix.com) and Choose Chicago (http://www.choosechicago.com/articles/view/CHICAGO-EVENTS-FESTIVALS-2014-CALENDAR-HIGHLIGHTS/1243/#June), for a full listing of summer events in the Chicago region.