Mayor Lightfoot announces CTA to provide rear door boarding, new system to reduce crowding on all buses

As part of ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of transit customers and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) front-line employees during the COVID-19 outbreak, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the CTA announced rear-door boarding and operational changes for buses. In addition to CTA employees and the city’s first responders who rely on public transportation to get to work every day, these new measures will also further protect Chicago’s transit customers, particularly those on the South and West Sides of Chicago, who represent the highest level of ridership across the system during the stay at home order. During this time, when CTA buses pull up to stops, customers will be directed to the rear doors to board. Customers using a mobility device or individuals who require the bus to use the ramp or lower (kneel) will still use the front door. To allow for fare payment, CTA is moving farecard readers (tap devices) to the rear doors of buses. CTA is also introducing bus crowding management. Customers using CTA for travel other than work are strongly encouraged to plan essential trips outside the traditional peak rush periods.