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Discover the convenience of the CTA Bus Tracker SM, a valuable tool that provides estimated arrival times through text messages, accessible on most mobile phones. Whether you’re planning your journey in advance or seeking real-time information at a bus stop, CTA Bus Tracker by Text has you covered. Stay informed about bus arrivals and streamline your transit experience effortlessly. We value your feedback, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Join us as we delve into the world of efficient and user-friendly transit tracking with CTA Bus Tracker by Text.

Obtaining Advance Information

To access timely information in advance of your bus arrival, follow these simple steps:

  • Locate your bus stop ID;
  • Send a text message to 41411 in the following format: “ctabus [stopID].”;
  • For example, if your stop ID is 14624, text “ctabus 14624” (without quotes);
  • You will promptly receive estimated arrival times.

Please note: Message and data rates may apply; it’s advisable to check with your mobile carrier beforehand. For assistance, you can reach out to us via email at [email protected].

Accessing Estimated Arrival Times at Bus Stops

To enhance your experience and provide comprehensive access to estimated bus arrival times, detailed instructions are prominently featured at each CTA bus stop. This user-friendly approach ensures that travelers can easily obtain the information they need by simply referring to the guidance displayed at the lower section of the bus stop sign.

Example

For instance, if you plan to catch a #53 Pulaski bus heading south from the Fullerton stop (stop ID 14624), the bus stop sign will instruct you to “Text ctabus 14624 to 41411 for estimated arrival times.” Give It a Try!

  • Text “ctabus 14624” to 41411

After your message is received, you will receive a response. This response will provide information such as the estimated arrival time for a #53 bus to 31st, with another one expected in approximately 11 minutes, as of 5:07 PM, at stop 14624 (Pulaski & Fullerton).

woman with tablet pointing at the location sign, the bus near her, and city building above

Additional Commands

You can also interact with this service using the following commands:

  • “S” for service bulletins (customer alerts).
  • “R” for the most up-to-date information for the same stop.
  • “N” to see the next result for the requested stop when multiple routes serve it.
  • To unsubscribe from text alerts or scheduled arrival times, text “STOP.”

Please remember that message and data rates may apply, so check with your mobile carrier.

Streamlining Information by Specifying Routes

If you want to refine the details you receive and potentially minimize the number of text messages you need to send or receive to obtain your desired information, you can specify a route number within your request. Simply include “rt[#]” (with the actual route number replacing the “#” sign) when making your request.

  • For instance: Text “ctabus 1124 rt3”

By doing this, you’ll no longer receive all predictions for buses arriving at stop 1124 (Michigan & Ontario). Instead, you’ll exclusively receive information about #3 King Drive buses, making your information retrieval more precise and efficient.

Alternative Methods for Finding Stop IDs

a hand holding smartphone with a map on it inside the car

Apart from checking bus stop signs, you can find bus stop IDs through the following methods:

  • CTA Bus Tracker Website: Explore stop IDs in conjunction with anticipated arrival times by conducting a search for your specific stop on the CTA Bus Tracker website;
  • Bus Stop Lists: Comprehensive lists are available, delineating all stops for established routes. These lists also provide information about their positioning in relation to intersections and the corresponding bus stop IDs. To access your route’s bus stop list, navigate to the Schedules section and make your selection accordingly.

Conclusion 

This guide reveals the power of CTA Mobile Bus Tracker by Text for real-time bus arrival updates, simplifying your transit experience. It offers step-by-step instructions for advance information, arrival times at stops, and streamlining results by specifying routes. Your feedback matters; reach out to [email protected] with questions or suggestions. Explore efficient transit tracking with CTA Bus Tracker by Text to navigate the city confidently.