Riding transit with a disability in the Chicago region

CTA, Metra, Pace, and the RTA are continuously working to make the regional transit system more accessible to people with disabilities. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), RTA has gathered up useful information about fares and accessibility features for riders with disabilities. In addition to this information, riders with disabilities are encouraged to explore the RTA’s Travel Assistance Digital Library for more information and resources.

Free or reduced fares on fixed-route (bus and train) service

RTA manages the Reduced Fare and Ride Free programs for CTA, Metra, and Pace. Riders with qualifying disabilities can apply to receive a reduced fare permit, which enables the purchase of fare products at about half-price. Apply at Fares.RTAChicago.org, or download the Reduced Fare Application.

Anyone with a disability who is enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program is eligible to ride free on the CTA, Metra and Pace fixed-route services. Learn more about applying for the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program.

CTA and Pace bus accessibility

All CTA and Pace buses offer accessible features such as ramps, wheelchair securement areas, priority seating, and visual display and auditory announcements. The ADA requires bus drivers to call out stops and to have large print and Braille signage in fixed route buses. All CTA and Pace buses have automated systems that visually display and verbally announce stops. Bus drivers can also assist passengers with boarding and exiting the bus, using the ramp, accessing priority seating, securing wheelchairs and scooters, or putting fares in the fare box when asked, though please note that drivers will not provide physical assistance to riders. Learn more about CTA and Pace bus accessibility.

CTA train accessibility

More than 70 percent of CTA L stations are accessible, and more stations are becoming accessible each year through the All Stations Accessible Program (ASAP). Most recently, four completely rebuilt North Side Red Line stations just opened on July 20, all of which feature ADA accessible elevators. Use the RTA's trip planner and maps to locate an accessible station.

All CTA L train cars are accessible. Accessible CTA L stations have elevators, audio and visual announcements, tactile strips on the platform edge, Braille and large print signs, and gap fillers to bridge the gap between the platform and the train. Learn more about CTA train accessibility.

Metra train accessibility

All Metra Electric trains are accessible to passengers using a mobility device. Since the train doors are the same level as the platform, the conductor will deploy a bridge plate that covers the small gap between the platform and the train car. The conductor can use the bridge plate on any car on the Metra Electric Line. Once on a Metra Electric Line car, there are two seating areas per car reserved for mobility devices. Areas for mobility devices are closest to the vestibule. Adjacent to the accessible seating area is an accessible lavatory.

Metra trains on all other lines are also accessible, featuring at least one lift-equipped railcar, identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility (i.e., the “wheelchair symbol”).

Metra cars have priority seating just inside the train car near the vestibule. Each lift-equipped car has three wheelchair areas for riders who prefer to remain in their chair. Customers can also transfer to a standard seat, if desired. Fold-down seats are also provided allowing anyone traveling with a mobility device user to sit close by. An accessible restroom is adjacent to the wheelchair seating area.

More than 75 percent of Metra stations are accessible and work to increase the number of accessible stations is currently underway. Accessible Metra stations have audio and visual announcements, Braille and large print signs, and tactile strips along the edge of the platform to alert customers to the platform edge. In addition, accessible Metra stations that are not at ground level have elevators or ramps. Metra trains feature visual and audio announcements. Learn more about Metra train accessibility.

ADA Paratransit

ADA Paratransit is a shared ride, advanced reservation, origin-to-destination transportation service for individuals who, because of their disability, are unable to use CTA or Pace fixed route transit service for some or all of their trips. Pace operates ADA Paratransit service for the entire RTA region, and RTA manages the Paratransit Certification process to determine an individual's functional ability to use fixed route services. To apply for ADA Paratransit, call the RTA's ADA Paratransit Certification program at 312-663-HELP (4357) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Learn more about ADA Paratransit.

New efforts

In addition to continuously upgrading stations to be ADA accessible with the goal of achieving a fully accessible system, the transit agencies are always thinking of new ways to prioritize riders with disabilities, including CTA’s recent tactile bus stop sign pilot for the visually impaired, Pace’s new policy enabling riders certified for ADA Paratransit to use Pace fixed-route service for free, and more.

In May, RTA released its Travel Information Action Plan, a roadmap for ensuring transit customer information is easy to access and understand no matter where or when riders may travel. This comprehensive document details steps the RTA, CTA, Metra, and Pace are currently taking and will take over the next three years to improve how information is communicated and delivered to riders of all abilities across the Chicago region.

Other resources

To increase awareness and independence, the RTA Mobility Management Division offers two programs: Mobility Outreach and Travel Training. The Mobility Outreach Program works with organizations that serve and offer programs to older adults and people with disabilities to ensure they are aware of their transit options. The Mobility Outreach Team provides seminars and attends events geared towards older adults, people with disabilities, staff and/or parents to educate customers about the following topics and more:

RTA’s free Travel Training Program
Accessibility on CTA, Pace, and Metra
RTA Fare programs – Ride Free, Reduced Fare, and the Access Pilot Program
Transit trip planning
Travel safety tips
Local transit options – On Demand, Dial-a-Rides, etc.

Additionally, the RTA partners with over 60 registration sites to provide regular training on assisting older adults and people with disabilities applying for RTA Fare Permits. To find a list of RTA’s Registration Sites and the customer assistance they provide, visit our Registration Site Locator.

For more information about the Mobility Outreach Program or to request a presentation or participation in an outreach event, call 312-913-3167 or email mm.outreach@rtachicago.org.

RTA’s Travel Training Program offers free one-on-one training to help people with disabilities and older adults learn how to use Metra, Pace, and CTA buses and trains. Travel Training sessions are tailored to each participant and led by a professional who is knowledgeable about accessible public transportation and has experience working with older adults and people with disabilities. Participants may learn how to:

Plan accessible trips by identifying and using accessible features
Travel safely and learn what to do if lost on transit
Pay the fare on transit and learn about payment options
Use landmarks to remember where to get on and off the bus or train
How to signal the bus driver to get off the bus

To inquire about the Travel Training Program, call 312-913-3120 or email traveltraining@rtachicago.org.