As part of its ongoing efforts to promote customer courtesy, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is offering free “Baby on Board” buttons for pregnant riders. The buttons are an extension of the agency’s award-winning courtesy campaign, which is currently displayed throughout the bus and rail system and addresses a variety of topics designed to promote courteous behavior among CTA customers.
The new buttons, which feature the message, “Baby on Board!' Could we please sit down?” are a tool to help improve communication between CTA riders. Not all pregnancies are easily visible, which can make it difficult for other riders to determine whether to offer up their seat. The buttons are intended to make it easier for pregnant riders to seek a seat.
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As part of the pilot program, the free buttons are available through a variety of channels, including online ordering via CTA’s website or picking up at CTA Headquarters.
CTA has also partnered with the OB/GYN practices at several area hospitals, including Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, and Saint Anthony Hospital. The hospitals will serve as button distribution locations for pregnant riders.
CTA promotes courteous behavior via announcements, signs, and a Courtesy Campaign seen on buses, railcars, and digital screens. Developed in-house by CTA staff, the campaign won the American Public Transportation Association’s Grand Award for informational campaign in 2015.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
