Public Transporation System in CHICAGO?

Travel Info
If there's anyone using it (train, bus, whatever) please share experiences..is it SAFE at night (11pm...or 5am when clubs close?) I might live downtown...let's say N Chicago/Evanston, just wondering if it's safe to take public transp to work 9also downtown) or to clubs, on weekends?

Travel Tips

If I'm a woman travelling alone, I'd probably spluge and take a cab rather than ride an el train that late at night. I'm a big guy (6-3, 235) and even I have to get tough with people on a late night train or bus once in a while. While it is relatively safe during the day, it can be troublesome at night. I'm kinda confused on where you say you might be living. (You say downtown, but then "let's say n. Chicago/Evanston". Evanston is a suburb on the north end of the city, but it's still services by the Chicago Transit Authority). now if you're clubbing, most of the clubs are in the heart of Chicago: downtown, River North, Wicker Park, etc. That's a LONG way from Evanston and taking public transportation back from those areas to Evanston might take an hour and a half at the LEAST, especially late at night when the trains and buses run less frequently. If there are several friends going with you, it might not be so bad. But by yourself... I'd probably take a cap home.

Traveling on the CTA for work, however, is a lot less sketchy. The trains and buses don't start getting kinda weird until after 9 p.m. or so.

BTW, if you do mean that you are going to be living in Evanston, there are lots of nice bars and places to hangout there, so you probably won't need to worry about taking the train anyway.
Others

check out the chicago transit authority website, it has everything you need to know about chicago transportation.

concerning the safety, when traveling at night or early morning don't be alone, it's just smart thinking. however, i never had a problem with it regardless of the time because it is always busy and there are quite a few people, especially during weekend hours when people go to clubs.
Everybody knows that there is nothing good happens after midnight, specially if you are a girl taking the train/bus with a bunch of people that you know that don't have a normal life been out at 3 in the morning!!! I live in Chicago myself and not only wouldn't I dare to take the train/bus that late, I wouldn't even walk that late all by myself!!!! Anything can happen, you know that! After 12 that's when the druggies, junkies, thieves, rapist come out, trying to find an easy target. If you are concerned about it, don't do it... those are your survivors instinct talking to you. There are many girls that get raped, beat up and even end up in a Have You Seen Her sign...take care of yourself and don't risk your safety to go to a party. Work hard and then go out when you buy a car, or have a friend take you and bring you back home... wish you the best and take care of yourself!!!!!!!
honestly, i wouldn't be out that late in ANY city by myself. i suggest just taking a taxi. its much safer and you can get dropped right on you doorstep
Good Question! If you do consider taking the train during those hours i suggest that you sit in the same cart where the conductor is at or right by the bus operator. Just in case something happen or just take a cab. For the morning commute i'll tell you now leave earlier then you'll expected because it's kinda crowded and construction is going on the train lines. But for the most part CTA is kinda okay.
Taking the train to and from work during the day is no big deal. If you have to take the train late, I would recommend riding in the front car with the conductor. If you are traveling home alone late at night, take a cab.
Yes, the CTA is safe. You might want to look into taking one of the express buses from dowtown to the North Side, if that is where you will be living.

I don't drive and don't have the cash to splurge regularly on cabs (but if you can, you should if you're out past midnight), but I do take the CTA that late. However, when I do, I make sure I don't look "pretty." Sounds silly, but I believe it makes a difference. Don't make yourself look weak. Don't go tripping down the el aisle in heels and a miniskirt. Learn to walk and speak with confidence. Dress sensibly, think sensibly, and don't make yourself a target.