World Travel https://www.youtube.com/user/World1Tube Chicago - Illinois - USA Travel guide http://bit.ly/1gyob2p Transport in Chicago - Illinois Public transport: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates trains and buses within the city. The trains are referred to as the 'El' or 'L' (the name is derived from the elevated rail that circles around the main Downtown business and shopping district). Each of the seven train lines are identified and named by a different colour. CTA services run 24 hours. Overnight or Night Owl services operate between approximately 0000 and 0500. Passes for two, three and five days are available. There is a transfer charge of US$0.25 between routes, whether train or bus. Tickets and passes are available for purchase from machines and ticket offices at the stations, as well as from visitor information centres and directly from the CTA. Metra is a commuter rail system serving the suburbs and surrounding cities with 12 lines. Free trolley buses travel between the city's most popular attractions like Navy Pier, the Museum Campus and North Michigan Avenue. Buses run from late May until early September and then again during the holiday season (late November until after New Year's Day). Pedways An underground system of 'pedways' (pedestrian walkways) is especially useful for escaping bad weather and crowded downtown streets. From this network, which links over 40 blocks of streets, there is access to many buildings, stations and shops in the Loop. Maps are available, free of charge, from hotels and around the various points of the system, including the Illinois Center. Taxis: These are easy to hail on the streets, especially in the Loop and Wrigleyville. A tip of 10-15% is usually expected. The main companies are American United Cab Assoc. Checker Taxi Assoc. Inc. Flash Cab Co , Wolley Cab and Yellow Cab . Driving: For those who are new to the city, driving is not recommended. The traffic is hectic during rush hours and confusing because of the one-way street systems in Downtown areas. Local drivers are sometimes impatient with those who do not know where they are going, so it is best for visitors to get into the main areas by train, bus or taxi and continue on foot. If driving is the only option, be aware that the city streets are largely based on a grid pattern, the central point of which is the crossroads at Madison Avenue and State Street, in the Loop district. From here, the naming of a street as 'north' or 'south' or as 'west' or 'east' is taken for granted. Street parking meters take coins above US$0.10 (a dime), with US$0.25 (a quarter) being the most useful coin. The more congested the area, the higher the meter rate. Major attractions may have limited parking but, in general, Downtown parking is difficult and expensive. From 1 December to 1 April, Snow Parking regulations apply on many streets, making fewer spaces available, and cars parked on snow routes are likely to be towed. Car hire: The minimum age for hiring a car varies from 21 to 25 years. Car rental agencies charge an extra premium to drivers under 25. A valid driving licence or an International Driving Permit is required. Costly insurance can be part of the hire arrangement, but renters should check their auto insurance to see if their policies cover rental cars. Bicycle hire: For visitors, cycling on the streets is discouraged; however, biking the lakefront cycling paths is quite pleasant. Bike Chicago, at Navy Pier, Millennium Park has a good range of bicycles for hire. ==================================== Chicago Videos, Chicago Travel guide, Chicago Tourism, Chicago Vacation, United States of America, Illinois,Chicago Introduction, Chicago Tours, Chicago Attractions, Chicago Hotels,Chicago Restaurants, Chicago Shopping, Chicago Transport, Chicago Museums, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Hotels, Illinois Travel guide, Illinois Tourism, Illinois Vacation, USA Travel guide, USA Tourism === Chicago - Illinois - USA Travel guide, Tourism, Vacation, Attractions

• published: 09 Nov 2013
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