Can someone either provide or recommend a source for : How to Get Around Chicago - using public Transportation --
thanks!

http://www.transitchicago.com/

This is the cta website, their trip planner is pretty good. Where are you wanting to go? i'm sure a few of us could help out too.

The site Vittrad posted is excellent - they have bus and el maps in addition to the trip planner. I also highly recommend getting a good streetmap that has the el stops superimposed on the map that you can carry with you. Time Out makes a small pocket map that is good for the main tourist areas. Streetwise makes a slightly larger laminated map that covers a bit more ground. You should be able to find both at larger bookstores.

I highly recommend just familiarizing yourself with the el map before you go. Understand which stops/lines are near your hotel and near the places you know you want to go. In every el station you'll find a map, and you can always find someone to help you if you're not quite sure which direction to go, or which stop to use.

Chicago's train system is very easy to use, so if you're unfamiliar with public transportation, it's a good place to get started.

If you have a Palm, Pocket PC, or SmartPhone, you can carry a free program that computes routes instantly.

http://nanika.net/metro

Thanks for the help! I was having problems with my office computer yesterday and in my message --the Chicago was cut from the message line and "C" in Crash Course... I appreciate the responses!
The CTA site has been great! I have the Streetwise Chicago Map and the "Eyewitness Travel Guide" but neither really cover public transporation.
I will be in Chicago (1st time) the day after Thaksgiving -- and I was wondering if I left the John Hancock Bld around 5:00 pm could I make it to Daley Plaza for the Holiday celebration and then back to the Peninsula Hotel for a 7:00 PM dinner reservation --
What I can't tell from my very tiny map is : at the Peninsula am I closer to a train or a bus stop - - and for getting around the city knowing, how can I know whether to take the train or the bus -- I am going to spend some time on line today getting more familar with the CTA site! Thanks again!

It's hard to predict what the downtown traffic will be like on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but Michigan Avenue is traditionally crowded on that day. Buses are plentiful, but if traffic isn't moving, neither are the buses. At 5 p.m., your best bet is to take the subway at State and Chicago Avenue - it's convenient to both the Hancock and the Peninsula. You'll get off at Washington for Daley Plaza. Once you get the hang of it, it's an easy ride.

Patg! thank you!
and Vittad, the CTA site has been great!
again, my thanks!

Robespierre,

That program is GREAT!!

Know any other good freeware for UIQ (SonyEricsson P series) smartphones?

Thanks again,
Andre

I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I'll post back if I run into one.

Is Métro wizard, or what?

Thanks - in any event I'm glad you steered me to Métro!

Andre