How does public transportation work in the Evanston/Chicago area?

There are three main methods of public transportation. The "el" (short for elevated train), the metra train, and the CTA buses.

The el:

• Standard fare for the el is $1.50. If you ride again within two hours, the fare is only $0.30.
• The two train lines that most NU students use most are the purple line (runs through Evanston) and the red line (runs North/South through downtown).
• The stop closest to Tech is at Noyes Street. It is about a five minute walk east to Tech from the el stop.
• The purple line only runs until 2 am, but the red line runs all night.
• The el is pretty safe. You get your standard surly public transportation customers, but for the most part, it is a very effective means of transportation.
• The el does not really run according to the times posted on the website or the sign at the stations. However, the intervals between stops are about right.

The metra train:

• The metra is essentially a commuter train for professionals going from the suburbs into the city.
• The fare is $2.00 - 4.00 per ride depending on your travel route.
• The stop closest to campus is at Davis Street in downtown Evanston. It is about a 15 minute walk from the station to Tech.
• The metra is very safe and usually runs on time.
• For more specific metra information, visit the website at http://www.metrarail.com/

CTA buses:

• Bus fares are the same as el fares.
• The routes for different bus lines are extensive, and too complicated to explain here. For more information on the el or the buses, visit the Chicago Transit Authority website at http://www.transitchicago.com/

MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE:

• Don’t be afraid of using public transportation. As you use the el, the bus, etc. you will learn the routes, the schedules, and everything you need to know to efficiently use the system.
• Parking at NU costs ~$230 for a student parking permit, which can be purchased at the Parking office on Hinman Ave.