Chicago Transportation Tips by LoriPori

INTERPARK STERLING SELF-PARK Driving/Parking Review

Chicago is one expensive place to park, but there are cheap places if you know where to look and a VT friend and local tells you where - thanks Kristi and David.
For Saturday's VT Meet, Hans and I needed to park our car for the day. Kristi suggested the INTERPARK STERLING SELF-PARK at 345 N. LaSalle, near Kinzie. We parked at about 10:00 a.m. as we were taking the Wendella Boats at 11:00 a.m. We had a full day including the Boat Tour, Cultural Center, Walk in Old Town and then dinner at the Adobo in Old Town, which we finished at 8:00 p.m. From the Adobo, we hailed a taxi ($7.00) to take us to the parking garage.
We inserted our parking ticket at the machine near the entrance, paid our $8.00, retrieved our validated ticket, went to our car and headed for the exit. You have to insert your validated ticket in order to get out of the garage.
From what I was able to find out, the $8.00 parking is offered from Friday 3:00 p.m. until Monday 5:00 a.m. I am not sure if it's a 12 or 24 hour period.

Mode: AROUND

Phone: 312 341 3463

Type: Car/Motor Home

CHICAGO WATER TAXIS Boat Tours & Taxis Review

A great way to get around Chicago's River System is to use CHICAGO WATER TAXIS.
I saw several when we were on our Boat Tour. They operate on the Chicago River, shuttling passengers between Madison Street on the South Branch; LaSalle Street and Michigan Avenue on the Main Branch; River East on the Main Branch in Ogden Slip. Water Taxis will even take you to Chinatown.
Single Ride $2.00
Single Ride Including Chinatown $4.00
All Day Pass $6.00

Mode: AROUND

Type: Ship/Boat

Website: http://www.chicagowatertaxi.com

THE "EL" CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY - CTA CTA (city trains & buses, the EL) Review

Getting around the city of Chicago is easy, especially when accompanied by locals who actually know where they are going - thanks David and Kristi.
Almost every bus or EL train will take you downtown for $2.00.
P.S.Be prepared to get off quick as the train doesn't stop long. (I almost got stuck on the train as I was too busy yakking with Martin).

Update: June 17, 18 and 19, 2011
While attending the VT Meet in Chicago, we had the opportunity to take the EL, to get us from the Cultural Center to Old Town. Our Chicago Greeter, Jeff, led the way. Sharon prepaid our tickets at a cost of $2.25 US each.

Chicago's EL is the rapid transit system that services the city and some surrounding suburbs. It is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
The oldest sections of the EL started operating in 1892, making it the second oldest Rapid Transit System in the U.S., after New York City.
Although the EL got its nickname because large parts of the system are elevated, portions of the network are underground and ground level.

Mode: AROUND

Phone: 1-888-YOUR-CTA

Type: Train

Website: http://www.transitchicago.com/