Page 189 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Chicago

TR A VEL INFORM A TION  187

Traveling Outside Chicago DIRECTORY

Traveling outside Chicago is most convenient by car, Metra
although Pace buses and Metra trains, both operated by the Metra Passenger Services
RTA (Regional Transit Authority), comprise an inexpensive and 547 W Jackson Blvd.
extensive public transportation system to the many suburbs Map 3 B2.
and beyond. Rush hours are the only real obstacle to smooth Tel 312-322-6777.
traveling. At peak times during the day, city dwellers are Open 8am–5pm Mon–Fri.
∑ metrarail.com
going to work at industry headquarters located in the
suburbs; at the same time, suburbanites are heading into Pace
the city to office jobs. Rush hour can start as early as 5:30am Pace Passenger Services
and last until 9am. The afternoon rush begins at 3pm and Tel 847-364-7223.
often lasts until past 7pm. ∑ pacebus.com
Regional Transportation
Line, which runs to McCormick Authority (RTA) Customer
Place, stops at three stations Service Center
along Michigan Avenue: at 165 N Jefferson.
Randolph and Van Buren Streets, Map 3 C2.
and at Roosevelt Road. The Union Open 8am–4:30pm Mon–Fri.
Pacific North Line runs to For information on South Shore,
Highland Park, stopping just Metra, Pace, and Chicago Transit
outside the Ravinia Festival gate. Authority:
Tel 312- 913-3110.
Pace ∑ rtachicago.com
The suburban bus system, Pace, Rental Cars
Metra commuter train is a division of the Regional
Transportation Authority Alamo
Metra (RTA), which also oversees Metra Tel 800-462-5266.
Metra operates a network of 11 and the CTA. Pace provides fixed ∑ goalamo.com
commuter train lines that begin bus routes, Dial-a-Ride services for Avis
in the city center and stretch travelers with disabilities, Tel 800-230-4898.
out like tentacles to the suburbs. vanpools, and special-event ∑ avis.com
The 495-mile (795-km) system buses throughout Chicago’s six-
has 230 stations in the Illinois county suburban region. Pace Budget
counties of Cook, Du Page, Lake, buses also provide good Tel 800-527-0700.
Will, McHenry, and Kane. It also connections between Metra ∑ budget.com
services some cities in Indiana stations and shopping malls. Hertz
and Wisconsin. Trains run Fares start from $1.75 for a Tel 800-654-3131.
frequently during rush hour and standard point-to-point journey ∑ hertz.com
every 1–3 hours at other times. (25 cents to transfer) to $4
Metra fares vary based on special fares to premium places Rental Cars
distance traveled, ranging from such as Wrigley Field, and Six
$2.25 to $8.50 for a one-way Flags Great America. Children To rent a car, you must be at
ticket. Buy tickets at a Metra under 7, seniors, and disabled least 25 years old, with a valid
station, or from a conductor on passengers with suitable driver’s license (for foreign
the train. On weekends and identification ride free. visitors, an international driver’s
holidays, youngsters aged 12 license) and a major credit card
to 17 ride for half fare. Kids in your name. Note that a
under 12 may ride free when deposit will be required. Before
accompanied by a fare-paying leaving home, check your
adult. Weekend passes are also insurance policy to see if you are
available for unlimited travel on covered in a rental car.
all Metra lines. All major rental car companies
Metra trains depart from five including Alamo, Avis Budget,
stations surrounding the and Hertz are represented at
Loop: Union Station, Ogilvie O’Hare and Midway airports
Transportation Center, (see pp180–81), and most have
Randolph Street Station, Van car rental sites available
Buren Street Station, and LaSalle throughout the city. All US
Street Station. Union Station is the Pace bus operating in the suburbs rental cars are automatic and
main Metra station. The Electric of the city have power steering.

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