Let’s face it. Getting your kid from here to there in Chicago takes up a lot of time. Whether it is you driving them to and from school and other activities or your child riding the bus, a good chunk of your day involves transportation. Transportation in Chicago is complicated – even more so when you add kids into the mix; however, there are many options for navigating the city safely.
Since over 75 percent of CPS students now attend a high school other than their neighborhood school, more parents are dealing with longer commutes to and from school. Their kids are on the bus, the L, or cars for longer durations losing opportunities to play and learn at home.
If you are looking for advice for traveling with children in the Chicago area, we’re here to help. Below, we are providing some basic tips for the various means of transportation in Chicago that kids frequently use.
If your child uses the Chicago transit…
Many Chicago families rely on the Chicago Transit Authority’s L system to get their kids from Point A to Point B. According to the Chicago Tribune, “Chicago’s public transit system provides more than 130,000 rides per school day to our city’s schoolchildren. And many of those children — some as young as 7 — will be riding without a parent.”
If you are one of these families, there are a few tips for kids using the Chicago Transit Authority.
- Have your child sit in the train or the seat on the bus closest to the driver.
- Teach your child what to do in case of an emergency.
- Practice the route multiple times before your child rides independently.
- Stress the importance of unplugging and being alert.
- Use the CTA bus and train trackers for up-to-date arrival predictions and information.
If your child uses other transportation services…
Other Chicago families rely on child transportation services. These services provide pick up and drop off for kids when parents are unable to do so. These are paid services. If your family cannot make the various pickup and drop-off times and does not feel comfortable with your children navigating the Chicago transit system, then this is a nice option. If this sounds like you, the best advice we can provide is to research available child transportation services and seek recommendations from trusted friends.
If your child walks…
Unless your child is driven from here to there, he or she will have to walk a short distance to school, the bus stop, or the transit station. When it comes to walking, teach your child street smarts, such as paying attention to their surroundings and being alert. Parents should also teach their kids about the Chicago Police Department’s Safe Passage program, which allows kids to find refuge in any safe haven along their walking route if they become alarmed or feel scared.
If you drive your child…
Another option for child transportation in Chicago is carpooling. With the help of GoKid, you can form carpools with other families you know and trust rather than paying for other child transportation services. With carpooling, you will save time and money on gas. Even better, numerous apps make carpooling in Chicago easy and efficient. For instance, use the Chicago Traffic Tracker to help you navigate the city during rush hour and find help with parking with ParkChicago and SpotHero.
