File a request with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
FREE TO FILEFiling process
How records requests work with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
Your request is filed in your name under Illinois Freedom of Information Act. We act as your communications agent — routing through email, tracking the statutory deadline, and following up when the agency goes silent.
- 1
Filed (day 0)
Submitted to Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) via transitchicago.com.
- 2
Acknowledgment (typically 1–3 days)
Agency confirms receipt and assigns a tracking number. The statutory clock keeps running.
- 3
Response window (5 business days)
Under Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the agency must respond within 5 business days. If exemptions are claimed, they must be cited specifically.
- 4
Records delivered or denied
No exemptions: records delivered. Partial denial: records released with redactions. Full denial: written justification required.
- 5
Appeal if denied
We draft an appeal to Public Access Counselor (AG) and can connect you with a public records attorney.
Governing law
Illinois Freedom of Information Act
5 ILCS 140
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is governed by Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which requires a response within 5 business days. Anyone may file — no residency requirement.
Frequently asked
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) public records FAQ
Related agencies
Other agencies in Illinois
What to request
Common records from Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
Jurisdiction