CTA

Winter is Upon Us and There is No Better Way Than CTA to Get to Many of the Holiday Events Across Chicagoland

December 19, 2024

CTA’s trains and buses are the best and most affordable ways to get to various sporting events, concerts, and fireworks at Navy Pier; Weekend construction work to temporarily impact the Red and Pink Lines

Ride on CTA to get to all your holiday festivities with family and friends. Customers can save money by purchasing an unlimited rides pass, either the 1-Day ($5) – far more economical and convenient than the price of gas and parking - or the 3-Day ($15) pass – a real budget-saving move.

REMINDER: Check the Latest Holiday Service Updates

  • Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – Operating on a Sunday/holiday schedule. 
  • Thursday, Dec. 26 –  Back to operating on a regular weekday schedule. 

Full travel details are available on the CTA website at https://www.transitchicago.com/travel-information/alert-detail/?AlertId=104200                                          

Service for Upcoming Events

United Center Events

  • Seattle Kraken vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Thu. 12/19 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Tink – Fri. 12/20 at 7 p.m.
  • Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls – Sat. 12/21 at 7 p.m.
  • Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls – Mon. 12/23 at 7 p.m.

Service:

  • Rail: Take the Green Line and exit at the new Damen station or exit at the Ashland station from either a Green or Pink line train.
  • Bus: Get to and from the following events via the #20 Madison and #50 Damen bus routes. Customers can also take the #19 United Center Express route post event.

Soldier Field

Service on the #128 Soldier Field Express and #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express routes

  • Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears – Sun. 12/22 at 12 p.m.

Weekend Work to Temporarily Impact Red Line Service

  • Between Fri. 12/20 at 10 p.m. and Sat. 12/21 at 10 a.m., rail service between Howard and Wilson stations will be temporarily suspended (More details)
  • Red Line trains will operate between Wilson, Downtown, and 95th.
  • Shuttle buses will replace rail service between Howard and Wilson stations in both directions, stopping near Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, Granville, Loyola, Morse, and Jarvis stations.
  • This service change is due to track maintenance to ensure that trains continue to operate safely along the Red Line.

Weekend Work to Temporarily Impact Pink Line Service

  • Between Fri. 12/20 at 10 p.m. and Sat. 12/21 at 4 a.m., rail service on the Pink Line will operate between 54th/Cermak and Polk, then to Racine Blue Line for connecting Blue Line train service to/from downtown. (More details)
  • For service to downtown from Pink Line stations between 54th/Cermak and Polk, take a Pink Line train toward the Loop and stay on board until the train reaches Racine on the Blue Line, where you can transfer to continuing Blue Line service into downtown.
  • For service from downtown to Pink Line stations between Polk and 54th/Cermak, take a Blue Line train toward Forest Park to Racine and transfer to a Pink Line train toward 54th/Cermak.
  • For service to/from Ashland, Morgan or Clinton stations, use Blue Line service between Racine and Clark/Lake, and Green Line service.
    • Connecting service between the Pink Line and Ashland station is also available via the #9 Ashland bus – use Polk Pink Line station and walk 1-1/2 blocks between the station and Ashland Ave (transfer charge applies).
  • This service change is due to traction power upgrades to allow trains to operate more efficiently along the Green and Pink Lines.

Know before you go!

The CTA strongly recommends customers allow extra travel time and plan ahead by downloading the Ventra app, which allows you to manage your Ventra account, and also features a new trip planning tool powered by Google Maps. 

Fare payment options: We offer a variety of convenient payment options—from smart devices to contactless credit cards. Learn more about payment options and ways you can maximize your dollars with our lower-priced unlimited-ride passes by visiting: transitchicago.com/fares/

Service updates: Stay in the loop on CTA service changes and alerts by subscribing to CTA Updates. For details about all CTA service, call 312-836-7000 or visit the CTA website at transitchicago.com.

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