chicago transit authority tour 2023

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What a high energy concert! I was so happy to hear the crowd singing to all the songs so loud that Chicago, in particular, did not need to stop singing to encourage the crowd to sing along. I wished Chicago played more than one song off the new album "Now". Having said that, they played a lot of great hits and I could have listened for hours more. We both (me & my husband) especially enjoyed the drum duet during 'I'm a Man". My husband got up to dance (he loves disco) to the one disco song that Chicago has ("Street Player"). I laughed and said to a concert goer sitting next to me, "I can't believe they are playing their one disco song at this concert". She laughed too. He was thrilled. Even my husband who is not particularly a big Chicago fan and who kids me that his favorite band is in the Rock-n-roll hall of fame (Rush) and mine isn't, said that he thought the concert was really good and had new energy and that he enjoyed the zombie walk when Chicago joined in the encore. Plus when Chicago helped with REO songs, it made those songs better unlike the reverse. He didn't feel Cronin's squeaky voice was an asset to Chicago's music.

We were pleasantly surprised how many hits REO had and played. Kevin Cronin was charming and I thought he brought some great energy to the night. I think it was a great collaboration and we were lucky to see it. We saw the collaboration with Earth Wind & Fire a few years back at the Greek. By golly, I think Chicago has a great formula for generating excitement for these veteran rock bands bringing new energy to their music and the music of their collaborators. I hope this tour is a great success.

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Having been a fan of Chicago since the early seventies, (buying their first album, Chicago Transit Authority) attending the concert here in the Costa del Sol, was such a joy. I saw them in London, July 2012, so being able to see them in an open air environment was sublime. I arrived at the venue quite early and had the privilege of seeing the band arrive AND shaking the hand of Robert Lamm, (one of the original members). Great thrill. The concert was, as expected, awesome, churning out all their great songs and also material from their latest album. Chicago 36, which includes a song titled, "America". Being the 4th of July, it was quite appropriate. It was such a great venue at the castle in Fuengirola, although with such poor publicity beforehand, the attendance could and should have been more substantial. Still, it didn't detract from my enjoyment and like everyone else there, the band gave it 100%. I can't wait for them to come back here to Spain, as I'm from London, but have settled here. Fnally, re, Chicago. Considering the changes in personnel, they still after all those years, manage to play with such intensity and feeling AND seemingly enjoy doing it, which passes on down to their audience. Truly sensational band. Long may they continue to bring such pleasure to music lovers like myself. Alex Bell. July 5th, 2014

I went to this show with my parents. They had an extra ticket. I had honestly never heard of Chicago before but my folks were big fans. I was really impressed by the band. They had so much energy and the brass section of the band was so awesome.

I think they probably had the best brass section I have ever seen in a concert and the guys were very interactive with the crowd. The lead singer was also very good and he really could pound out the high notes that some of their songs require. At this show they really seemed to focus on their older songs. The ones that are not as sappy as some of their 1980’s songs were.

The best one they did was “Saturday in the Park” and they did an encore that included the great Rock and Roll song “24 or 6 to 5”.

I was really impressed with this band and the fact they have been around for more than 4 decades. It is amazing that they still are able to carry on the name and sounds from so long ago. They also just have such a great brass section which is something you do not see all the time.

If you have never seen a Chicago concert then I would strongly suggest you find one to go to NOW. If you have been before then you understand my intent. The entire band is as crisp as ever. Their song selection is one from not only their past but also current. If you enjoy their music you already know the words and you just can't help yourself from singing the song being played. Their entire show is very organized and everyone in the band plays with ease. Their encores are the best. Whatever group they are playing with, they will join them again and the encore is three songs each from each act with both bands on stage at the same time playing and singing each others' songs together. You have to be there to appreciate a solid performance from one of the best bands around. They give a fan what is expected and they are very appreciative of their fan base that continues to follow them.

Chicago did NOT disappoint!! How often do we attend a concert with high hopes of a great performance only to walk away let down? Not this time! Chicago gave a stellar performance, belting out hit after hit. It left fans satisfied without regret. The brass sounded as crisp and clean as ever. Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Walter Parazaider can still rock with the same ferver from 30 years ago!! New lead singer Jeff Coffey did better than adequate keeping the continuity of the hits we grew up singing...and still do. I'm not sure how much longer they will be touring, but I imagine this was an opportunity I may not have again. This group was long overdue in their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2016). May they continue do what they love, performing for those of us who love and appreciate this incredibly talented group of musicians!

I went to the concert in Kansas City last night. And as usual, it was GREAT! Chicago has been making me smile for 50 years. The show was full of great music and memories. If anyone isn't sure about going to one of their shows, let me tell you it will be worth it.In my opinion, Chicago will always be number 1. Of course, I am a fan from the old days. And I may be a little partial. But, let me tell you, Chicago is hands down the most entertaining group of guys ever. And the show last night was just one of many that left me feeling happy. Keep up the good work. YOU ROCK!!!

See you on the road!

Connie Allen

Nothing better than a beautiful night in Chicago listening to live Chicago (outdoor concert) with REO Speedwagen. REO gave a great performance and Chicago played better than ever, both bands have roots in Chicago and you could feel the love for the city in their words and music. One of the highlights for me is when my 22 year Son grabbed me from my chair and slow-danced with me in the isle to one of my favorite Chicago songs, Beginnings. I have been a fan of Chicago since my first concert in 1978 and make sure I catch their act any time they are in Chicago, my hometown.

During the 1970s, Chicago was one of the most successfully performing groups, on all lists but also in my heart and my soul. I never saw them live then but now I had the opportunity to see them after all those years. After a 700 kilometers car ride we arrived to Langesund in Norway, listening to those amazing musicians, their enthusiasm and all the hits, rendered in a wonderfully paced and incredibly recognized format. They extended the concert for one hour, which was a lovely bonus, but why not visit Sweden?!

The show was great. As I had seen them twice within the past 2 years this show I was the best performance. The other was at the Allegheny Casino in Salamanca,Ny and the Molson Theatre in Toronto. Whenever they are near to my hometown I go to their concert.

They made sure that they gave it their all. Non stop songs from

approximately 8:45 till 11:15pm.

The Doobie Brothers started off the double bill show. They are always good as well.

If they are near your town go and see them. You won't be disappointed.

Whoa! What a show! Chicago play nonstop hits and the instrumental sections are as crisp as ever. I'm mostly a fan of their first four albums and they didn't skimp on that material, but still played quite a bit of their AM Gold from later on haha. New man Jeff Coffey does a great job but the stars are still the rest of the band who have the live energy and passion of a band that just got started, not one that is celebrating 50 years. James Pankow is a beast.

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Chicago tour dates and tickets 2024-2025 near you

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Chicago is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 12 concerts across 1 country in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

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Transit Authority

The Premier Tribute Band to the Mustic of Chicago

Since performing their very first shows together in the early spring of 2004, Transit Authority has become known throughout the U.S. as the premier tribute band to the iconic group Chicago. Based out of St. Paul, Minnesota, this eight member ensemble creates an accurate musical salute to the greatest horn driven rock band to ever hit the stage. Transit Authority’s mission is to recreate the excitement of the original Chicago’s sound with each and every performance. (Minus the cracks and pops of the vinyl!)

Transit Authority has assembled some amazingly talented musicians who meticulously capture all the nuances of the original recordings and will honestly make you believe you are witnessing the real thing. Performing mega-hits such as, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”, “Hard Habit to Break”, “Make Me Smile”, “Old Days”, “Just You ‘n Me”, “Beginnings”, “Wake Up Sunshine”, and many more.

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• MAY 17 - Megan Thee Stallion
• MAY 30 - FEID
• MAY 31 - Tim McGraw
• JUN 01 - Chi City Fest
• JUN 07 - Chris Brown
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SZA With Special Guest d4vd

Following her incredibly successful 17-city sold out run, Grammy-award-winning music trendsetter and icon SZA will continue her touring trek with ten new dates in Europe and twenty-one additional dates across North America due to incredible fan demand, including a return to the United Center on October 10 with support from d4vd.

The 2023 tour follows SZA’s hugely successful sophomore album, SOS, which was released in December and earned the superstar the record for the largest streaming week for an R&B album in the United States. The album also claimed ten non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart - the most among albums by women in seven years.

During the first run of the S.O.S. Tour earlier this year, SZA gave unforgettable performances night after night. The platinum recording artist performed  classics like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend” in addition to newer mega-hits such as “Kill Bill,” and “Shirt.” Fans also got to experience special performances from a number of surprise guests including Phoebe Bridgers, Cardi B, Summer Walker, Lizzo and more.

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For all special events, each Executive Suite Holder will receive two complimentary parking passes per event ordered. These two passes will be for reserved parking located in lots C and K. In addition, Executive Suite Holders will also receive the option to purchase four additional parking passes in lots C and K for special events.

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What is the location of the Uber Zone? The new Uber Zone at the United Center is located on the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street. Fans will enter and exit through the sidewalk entrance located on Madison Street and cars will enter the lot by turning into the Uber Zone from Madison Street. Cars will exit on Warren Blvd.

What are the hours of operation? On event days, the Uber Zone is open two hours prior to games, concerts and events and will remain open up to one hour after each event. On non-event days, the Uber Zone will be closed and Uber rides will be dropped off near the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street outside of the Uber Zone.

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Chicago Band Members

Robert Lamm Keyboard, Vocals, Composer

Lee Loughnane Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Songwriter

James Pankow Trombone, Horn Arranger, Composer

Ray Herrmann Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet

Walfredo Reyes, Jr. Drums

Neil Donell Vocals, Guitar

Ramon “Ray” Yslas Percussion

Tony Obrohta Guitar, Vocals

Loren Gold Keyboard, Vocals

Eric Baines Bass, Vocals

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Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. They have recorded 38 albums, sold over 100,000,000 records and are one of the longest-running and best-selling music groups of all time.

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The Chicago Authority

A tribute to the music of Chicago the band!

A tribute to the music of one of the most popular and prolific bands of all time: Chicago!

SOLD OUT!!! October 28, 2023 – Lockport’s Historic Palace Theatre

Our Farewell Show on October 28th at Lockport’s Historic Palace Theatre sold out!

Thank you SO MUCH for supporting us over the years!

Please support this beautifully renovated theater! Click here to visit the website.

“WOW! YOU GUYS SOUND KILLER!”

–Keith Howland, Guitarist, Chicago, 1995 through 2021

The Chicago Authority is a tribute to the music of one of the most popular and prolific bands of all time: Chicago! For more than 50 years Chicago has been one of the world’s top touring acts, and their 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame skyrocketed their popularity and introduced their vast 36-album catalog of music to millions of new fans. Read More …

A sell-out crowd of more than 1,000 friends helped us get through one of the most emotional shows we have ever done. We were all on the border between laughter and tears all night long. We would love to thank each and every one of you by name if we could. Instead, all we can …

Continue reading “Finale”

The Farewell Outdoor Concert, July 12, 2023

To say our farewell outdoor performance at Tonawanda’s Gateway Harbor was an emotional roller coaster is an understatement. Emotions ran from Zenith to Nadir and back again every few minutes as we felt the love from thousands upon thousands of hometown friends. Over the past decade, the outdoor concerts in western New York have been …

Continue reading “The Farewell Outdoor Concert, July 12, 2023”

July 12, 2023 and October 28, 2023 …

Hi Friends, After 10 years of performing together, The Chicago Authority has decided to perform two “farewell” concerts in 2023. We are beyond happy that these concerts can be held at the venues who believed in us when we were starting out a decade ago. July 12, 2023 at Tonawandas Gateway Harbor is the first …

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CTA, Metra and Pace could be merged into one transit agency under bill proposed in Springfield

State sen. ram villivalam and state rep. eva-dina delgado are calling for the creation of the metropolitan mobility authority to oversee all public transit operations and replace the rta..

State Sen. Ram Villivalam and state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado have introduced the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act, which aims to avoid overlap and competition for funds between the RTA, CTA, Pace and Metra.

Sun-Times file

State legislators are proposing legislation that would create a transit agency to oversee public transit across northeastern Illinois and provide an additional $1.5 billion in annual funding for public transportation.

State Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, have introduced the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act, which would create the Metropolitan Mobility Authority to oversee all public transit operations and replace the Regional Transportation Authority.

They say the measure aims to avoid overlap and competition for money between the RTA, Chicago Transit Authority, Pace and Metra — which they said has led to a delay in integrated fares — and instead provide “coordinated” services. The metro area once had just the RTA and CTA, while Metra and Pace were created later.

“The status quo doesn’t work for taxpayers either, who are paying for duplicate bureaucracies performing overlapping functions instead of funding one agency that makes transit work better across Chicagoland,” Delgado said in a news release. “Reform must come first.”

“We need to have a robust conversation and make major strides to achieve the regional transit system our constituents deserve, one that is integrated and commuter-centered,” Villivalam added.

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RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard said the agency was open to changes, but adequate funding had to come along with that for the “chronically underfunded” system.

“We welcome discussion on reforms that strengthen coordination, efficiency, and accountability across the regional transit system,” Dillard said in a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times. “But reforms must come with the necessary funding to upgrade service and maximize transit’s impact on the region’s economy, climate, and access to opportunity for all residents.”

Pace is reviewing the legislation but is interested in working with state lawmakers to improve transportation in the area, spokesperson Maggie Daly Skogsbakken said. The current system means Pace can respond to specific needs of commuters, and the suburban bus operator worries consolidation could threaten that, she said.

“Changes must reflect the actual service needs of our region and address the real problem, which is a historic lack of investment in our transit system, especially in the suburbs,” Skogsbakken said.

The new office would consist of 18 voting directors — the governor would choose three; the mayor of Chicago and president of the Cook County Board would select five each; and the chief executives of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties will each get one. A chair would then be chosen by the 18 directors but not be someone from that body.

• CTA, Metra tout new, bigger budgets but warn of troubles down the road

Six non-voting members would also join them: the secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the chair of the Illinois Tollway, an organized labor representative chosen by the governor, the chair of the agency’s citizen advisory board and a representative each for the business and disabled communities, chosen by the board.

A companion bill would set aside $1.5 billion every year from state funds for operational costs for the transit agencies, though Delgado said it wouldn’t come without “restructuring transit governance to put safety, frequency and reliability for riders first.”

Transit plays a key role in ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities for Illinois residents, said Jeremy Cuebas, a CTA rider and transportation organizer in Belmont Cragin.

“Equity starts with affordability — that means no more giant fare hikes and ending double charging riders if they use CTA or Pace to connect to Metra or vice versa,” Cuebas said.

The proposed legislation is the first part of the Clean and Equitable Transportation Act, a three-part campaign that seeks to reform and fund transit, expand the use of zero-emissions vehicles, set targets to curb greenhouse gas emissions and make the transportation industry 100% carbon-free by 2050. The entire legislative package will be unveiled in Springfield on Tuesday.

A report published last year and prepared by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning at the behest of the General Assembly recommended organizational reforms, including consolidating the four regional transit agencies under one board, new taxes and changing fee structures.

Contributing: Mary Norkol

• After Yellow Line crash, Illinois Senate clears bill requiring transit agencies to make safety recommendations public
• Editorial: Time for a leadership change at CTA: Show Dorval Carter the exit door

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Watchdog calls for abolishing the cta.

Greg Hinz is a columnist for Crain’s Chicago Business. He joined Crain’s in 1996 and was previously political editor of Chicago magazine and political editor and columnist for the Lerner Newspapers chain.

In a new shot at Chicago Transit Authority management, an influential Chicago watchdog group is urging that state lawmakers abolish the CTA as an independent agency, turning its responsibilities largely over to an empowered Regional Transportation Authority.

“Citizens want and deserve guarantees that funding increases for government programs will lead to better service outcomes. They want assurances that money is going to be spent efficiently and effectively,” the Civic Federation says in a report issued today. “In the case of mass transit, this will require substantial reform of the current siloed governance and decision-making process that prioritizes the individual priorities of service boards, or transit providers, over regional priorities.” (Read the full report below.)

The report comes as state lawmakers begin to take up the issue of how to avoid what the CTA, Metra and Pace say is a collective $730 million annual fiscal cliff they'll begin to face at the end of next year, when federal COVID relief funds that have kept them financially afloat, despite ridership drops, run out.

The consolidation also would apply to Metra and Pace. But the CTA in particular wants to keep its independence and, with backing from Mayor Brandon Johnson, instead has pushed a plan to give it a larger subsidy without significant management changes.

At the same time, the CTA and its head, President Dorval Carter, have been under fire for security woes, irregular and inadequate service and lack of a plan on how to remake itself for a post-COVID era amid altered commuting patterns. Key state lawmakers have signaled they want management changes in exchange for a needed tax or fee hike, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week declared that the CTA requires “an evolution of leadership in order to get us where we need to go."

The proposal to make the CTA just a day-to-day operating unit within the RTA, with the RTA making all significant decisions, first was proposed last fall by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, which serves as a gatekeeper for certain federal funds awarded here.

CMAP also proposed a milder version short of consolidation, one in which the RTA would get more supervisory power but the CTA would retain autonomy.

But in its report today, the Civic Federation argues for the stronger version.

“The current system has failed to implement a regional vision or coordinated service implementation plans, instead prioritizing the narrow interests of the individual service boards. This is true even though the services offered by all three service boards complement and mutually reinforce one another.”

Merely by consolidating back-office personnel, purchasing and other services, the region could save $200 million to $250 million a year, the report says, citing an outside consulting report.

On the revenue side, it adds, “The distribution of transit funds is based on outdated formulas that fail to account for changes in transit utilization and has contributed to a zero-sum competition for resources among the service boards.”

Though the current transit governing structure was amended in 1984, its basic form stretches back to the 1970s. That was a different world, both politically and demographically, with Democrats now dominant over Republicans in most of suburbia as well as the city and the minority population growing much faster in the suburbs than in Chicago proper. 

Carter has his fans, who point to his ability to attract federal funds for modernization and extension of the Red Line. But pressure for change is growing. Look for other influential groups and politicians to follow the Civic Federation next week in backing consolidation of the CTA into the RTA.

CMAP floated a variety of ideas on where to get new subsidy money and avoid the fiscal cliff — all of them politically volatile, including higher charges on the Illinois Tollway, a sales tax hike and/or extension of the sales tax to cover more services.

The General Assembly is not expected to make any final decisions until at least its post-election veto session this fall.

Reforming Mass Transit Gove... by CrainsChicagoBusiness

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A decision in the case, which could come by June or July, could clarify what it means for a super PAC to coordinate with a candidate, a parameter detailed in federal election law but previously left undefined in Illinois.

Lawmakers propose unifying CTA, Metra and Pace

The embattled Chicago Transit Authority is taking another hit from Springfield, this time from a bill that would dramatically change the face of mass transit around the city and who controls it.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow City Tours

City tours in moscow.

• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Moscow Private Tours

2. Moscow through the Eyes of an Engineer

3. Moscow Free Tour

4. Bridge to Moscow

5. Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours

6. Go Russia Travel Company

7. Privilege Tour

8. Moscow Navigator

9. Put-in Tours

10. Walks With Folks

11. Moskovskiye Gulyaki

12. Moscow Bike Tours

13. Happy Moscow Tours

14. Tour of Moscow - Day Tours

15. Kremlin Tour

16. Tsar Visit

17. IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow

18. Excursions in Russia

19. VikiTours

20. Moscow Greeter

21. MoscowMe

22. Gulyayem po Moskve

23. Tour Gratis Moscu

24. Tour-Moscow

25. Gorodskoi Voyazh

26. Rusiatourmoscu

27. Moscow 360

28. Express to Russia

29. Russia With Love

30. Angel Taxi - Day Tour

What travelers are saying

• Put-in Tours
• Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours
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• Happy Moscow Tours
• Moscow Bike Tours
• IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow
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• Tour Gratis Moscu
• Moscow Free Tour
• YourLocalGuide Moscow
• Moscow Navigator
• Moscow through the Eyes of an Engineer
• Angel Taxi - Day Tour
• Your Moscow Guide & Driver
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Does Chicago Need A New Transit Agency? Watchdog Pitches CTA Merger Into State-Run System

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CHICAGO — A good governance group headed by the city’s former inspector general is joining calls to fold the CTA into a “centralized” regional transit agency.

A new report by the Civic Federation recommends the state take advantage of a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to consolidate Chicago-area transit systems as CTA, Metra and Pace lobby for funding ahead of an impending $730 million fiscal cliff in 2026.

Joe Ferguson, Civic Federation president and former city inspector general, said state lawmakers should use the “change and leverage moment” to bring transit operations for CTA, Metra and Pace under one executive roof in a “complete reset.”

The report builds on proposals made last year by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning , which was tapped by state lawmakers to float bold ideas for the transit system, including the CTA, which has been slower to rebound from the pandemic than other cities .

One centralized agency would reduce “zero-sum” competition for resources, streamline strategies and service goals, improve operational efficiency and save as much as $250 million a year, according to the Civic Federation report.

The clean slate would also allow lawmakers to rewrite the accountability system, Ferguson said.

The Chicago Transit Board, made up largely of politically connected appointees , doesn’t conduct formal performance reviews of embattled CTA President Dorval Carter . The board has rarely questioned the agency’s direction in public meetings, and it has allowed Carter to work without a written contract — all while his salary climbed 60 percent to over $376,000 yearly,  a Block Club investigation found.

There are 47 board members appointed by over a dozen public officials across the region’s transit agencies, according to the Civic Federation report.

“If there were proper accountability systems in place, the politics will have less of an impact,” Ferguson said. “We’re talking about rewriting laws to require qualifications on the boards and for people in senior positions managing the system itself. If we’re talking about the CTA, that’s currently soft to non-existent.”

The “chance to start over” would likely move chief oversight of the CTA from mayoral control to the state, which is already the larger source of the agency’s funding, Ferguson said. New York City’s transit system has long been controlled by the governor .

A CTA spokesperson who would not provide a name said in a statement the agency hasn’t seen the Civic Federation report, “nor were we consulted as part of its development,” and could not comment further.

But at a CTA board meeting last year , Carter called the merger proposals a “red herring.”

“We have never had a [funding] formula that worked the way it was supposed to,” Carter said. “The formula that was supposed to create an excess of funding to allow the type of innovation, collaboration and cooperation that many of the stakeholders have suggested has not occurred, didn’t occur as result of a governance problem, but occurred as result of a funding problem.”

The transit system’s fiscal cliff has grown as ridership and fare box collection remain stuck below pre-pandemic levels and the federal stimulus runs dry.

Through the first two months of the year, the CTA had about $157 million in public funding, while its operating expenses were nearly $317 million, according to public data. The agency did not raise fares for the 2024 fiscal year.

Kirk Dillard, chair of the Regional Transportation Authority, which oversees the three transit agencies, said in a statement that public transit has long been “chronically underfunded,” even before the pandemic.

“We welcome discussion on reforms that strengthen coordination, efficiency, and accountability across the regional transit system,” Dillard said. “The RTA remains open to potential reforms that improve service, but the most significant need for the transit system is increased funding for transit operations.”

Pace spokesperson Maggie Daly Skogsbakken said in a statement the agency “has concerns” about a centralized transit agency.

“Pace, CTA and Metra already coordinate in dozens of different ways, leading to efficiencies that a consolidation will not enhance,” Daly Skogsbakken said. “What is needed is a long-term fiscal solution that doesn’t disrupt progress and allows us to continue providing the critical transit service our riders depend on while building the fast, frequent transit network our region deserves.”

Representatives for Metra did not return requests for comment.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s office also did not return request for comment, but in remarks last week, Pritzker became the highest-ranking official to call for changes in CTA leadership , and even said “additional leadership” is needed.

“We’re gonna have to consider the plan the CTA should have come forward with already, which we haven’t seen, but that may include changing fares and other things that will help us deal with what is clearly going to be a fiscal cliff here,” Pritzker said at that news conference. “We’re also hoping that we see help from the federal government along the way.”

Some state lawmakers and county board President Toni Preckwinkle are already open to the transit merger proposal, according to Nick Blumberg of WTTW.

Rep. Kam Buckner, one of the first public officials to call for CTA leadership to be replaced, said he’s “not opposed” to a transit merger and plans to speak with agencies and advocates over the summer. Debates at the statehouse could heat up by next year, Buckner said.

“There’s compelling arguments to all of these … but CTA just keeps saying they need more money, more money,” Buckner said. “There should be no more revenue without reform.”

Ferguson said a transit merger would require significant changes to the law, financial modeling and logistics — but the proposal is “not a pipe dream.”

“This is the right moment,” Ferguson said. “The sooner we get started the better.”

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Fare information

effective February 20, 2023

* Applies at all train stations except O’Hare (where a premium fare applies) ** Available only to riders with RTA-issued Reduced Fare permits † Pay-as-you-go, direct contactless payments can be used to pay only for Full and Reduced fares ‡ Full fare transfer to CTA from Pace buses 25¢, 15¢ Reduced/Student

Ways to pay

Cash can be used directly on buses and can be used at all Ventra vending machines to add value or passes to Ventra Cards or to buy disposable Ventra Tickets. You can also use cash to load value or passes at more than 1,000 Ventra retailers. See the above chart for fare information.

Ventra Tickets

You can buy disposable paper Single-Ride and 1-Day tickets at vending machines (located in every 'L' station). See the above chart for fare information.

Ventra Cards

Ventra Cards are used with transit value and passes for regular fares and transfers. Fare you load to your Ventra Card's transit account can be seen and managed at vending machines, online, in the Ventra app and by phone.

New, plastic Ventra Cards can be purchased from vending machines at all 'L' stations and at more than 1,000  retail locations (including drugstores, currency exchanges and more). They can also be ordered online or by phone.

NEW: Ventra Card on Android, iPhone or Apple Watch

• Adding a Ventra Card to Apple Pay Including iPhone and Apple Watch
• Adding a Ventra Card to Google Pay Android phones such as Google Pixel, Samsung, Motorola, LG, etc.

Mobile Pay apps (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) & contactless bankcards

Learn more about how contactless payments work with Ventra. (Opens in a new window)

Avoid "card clash"

Whenever you pay, take out and touch  only  your desired payment method (card, ticket, mobile device, etc.) to the Ventra fare reader.

Ventra readers can accept payments from many different card/payment types. Taking your card out makes sure that the payment method you intended to use covers every part of your trip.

Get the Ventra app!

The Ventra app lets you check your Ventra Card's balance, add value or passes, get arrival/departure times and account alerts in a quick and easy-to-use app. You can even use the fare value from your Ventra transit accounts to buy mobile tickets for riding Metra trains right in the app.

Download the app today!

How to ride with a pass

You can get unlimited ride passes, which are good for unlimited rides for one person, anywhere fare is sold. 

Any pass can be loaded into a Ventra Card's transit account. You can even load multiple passes, so you have a new one ready to go when one you're using runs out. 

Some passes (such as a 1-Day CTA Pass) are sold at Ventra Vending Machines in the form of disposable Ventra tickets.

Places you can load passes into a Ventra Card's transit account include all Ventra Vending Machines, over the counter at hundreds of Ventra retail locations or online to your registered Ventra Card (using the Ventra website or the free Ventra app). If you don't have a Ventra Card, you can buy one from any Ventra Vending Machine or retail location, as well.

• Learn more about CTA passes
• Learn more about using passes with Ventra

How to get Reduced Fares

Reduced fares are offered only to those customers who are  eligible .

Learn about Reduced Fare & Free Ride Programs, here.

More information

• Reduced Fares, Permits & Free Ride Programs (All programs)
• Where to Buy Fares
• U-Pass   (College students)
• Student Ventra Cards (Elementary & high school students)
• Military Service Pass (Info & FAQ)
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No Cancellation Charges  up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

City Sightseeing: Moscow Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

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Select Date, Travellers and Ticket

• The Bus Tour offers unlimited 360° panoramic views of main sights of Moscow.
• Access to audio-guide in 10 different languages which enables to know about Moscow’s history and traditions.
• The three-bus tour routes and 40+ stops around Moscow completes the trip. Draw an itinerary to explore the city on your own.
• There can be a boat tour and bus tour to enjoy panoramic views of Moskva River.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted. (No need to print)

The City Sightseeing at Moscow begins at Bolotnaya Square with Hop-on-Hop-off bus service. The bus operates on the Red, Green and Orange lines. If you have limited time in Moscow, start your trip on the Redline and get yourself acquainted with the city’s 16 best attractions. The green line, however, covers 26 amazing spots so if you are staying for an extended period catch the green line.

• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Alexander Garden
• GUM State Department Store
• Sofiyskaya Embankment
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
• University Square, Vorobyovy Gory Observation Deck
• Hotel Ukraina Pier
• Zaryadye Park
• Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics
• VDNKh Metro Station
• Cosmonauts Alley
• Ostankino Television Tower
• Red Route: Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 60 Minutes , Frequency: 15 Minutes
• Green Route : Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 120 Minutes , Frequency: 30 Minutes
• Orange Route : Schedule: 10:00 - 18:30 , Loop: 140 Minutes , Frequency: 30 Minutes
• 24 / 48-Hours Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
• Red Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Farsi
• Green Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic
• Orange Line Audio Guide : Russian English, German, Spanish, Italian, French
• Guided walking tour
• Boat Tour (If option selected)
• Hotel Transfers
• Entrance Fees (Unless Specified)

Redemption Info

You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver. Printed vouchers required for this tour and are accepted at all stops. You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour. Please check your ticket to know when it expires. After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid. In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund. Book Now! You can use your ticket any day within 12 months.

Know Before You Go

Wheelchair Access, Heating Please note that face masks must be worn on board the bus. Orange Route is temporarily suspended   

Operational Details: Walking Tour

• Daily at 10:45 a.m.
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Meeting point: next to the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius (Kitay-Gorod metro station)

Capital River Boat Tour

• May - October: from 11:30am to 6:30pm (Subject to change)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Departure Point: Zaryadye Park Pier

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