A Chicago CTA bus typically holds about 40 to 60 passengers , depending on the bus type and crowding rules in effect. For CTA’s stated capacity limits, a standard 40-foot bus is listed at 15 passengers and a 60-foot articulated bus at 22 passengers under the cited crowding policy, though those are not normal maximum design capacities.

By bus type

  • Standard 40-foot CTA bus: about 40–50+ people in normal service, depending on seated and standing room; the cited temporary crowding limit was 15.
  • 60-foot articulated CTA bus: about 70–100+ people in normal service, depending on configuration; the cited temporary crowding limit was 22.

Simple rule of thumb

If you just want the quick answer, use this:

  • Regular CTA bus: around 40–50 passengers.
  • Articulated CTA bus: around 70–100 passengers.

The exact number changes based on whether you mean seated capacity, standing capacity, or a temporary passenger cap.