Folding bicycles in protective covers are permitted on all trains at all times but should not block train aisles or doorways.

Read CFBS member Steve Weeks' paper on taking folders aboard Metra here (MS-Word format).

No surcharge.

Metra began allowing non-folding bicycles on board June 1, 2005 with significant restrictions and blackout dates. Click here for Metra's complete non-folding bicycle policy and blackout-date calendar.

South Shore
Source: http://www.nictd.com/info/general.htm

BICYCLES ARE PROHIBITED (except if disassembled and carried on board in a bag or container expressly designed for such purposes and stowed in the overhead luggage racks).

The South Shore's overhead luggage racks are inadequate for stowing a folder.  They are narrow and only have about 13" of clearance from the ceiling.  I was able to get my 20" folder on the overhead rack (with the pedals folded), but several inches of it extended over the edge and I was worried that it might fall if the train hit a bump or swayed.  There are accessible seating areas across from the bathrooms that have a single seat with room enough on one side to set a folder on the floor without blocking the aisle.  I have ridden the South Shore with my folder next to me on the floor in the accessible seating area without objection from the conductors.

No surcharge.

CTA
Source: http://www.transitchicago.com/welcome/biketran.txt

Folding bicycles are allowed on CTA vehicles at all times.
 

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CARRY A CTA "BIKE & RIDE" BROCHURE AT ALL TIMES WHEN USING THE CTA.  MANY CTA EMPLOYEES (AND PRIVATE SECURITY FIRM PERSONNEL) ARE CONFUSED ABOUT THE RULES REGARDING BIKES ON TRANSIT.  CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY IN .PDF FORMAT

Buses: If you wish to transport your bike unfolded on a CTA bus bike rack, the racks support 16" and larger wheel diameters.  About 99% of the buses on the north side and 75% of the buses on the south side have bike racks.  Thieves have been known to snatch bikes off racks and ride off.  I don't lock my bike to the rack because of the added delay to the bus, but I occasionally lock my front wheel and frame together to discourage snatch-n-riders.  Unfolded bikes can be transported in racks any time of the day or night.

I have taken my folder aboard CTA buses both in and out of the bag.  My folder fits nicely in the space between the last set of seats parallel to the aisle and the seats in the extreme rear of the bus.  I have also sat in the single seats and put my folder on the floor next to me without blocking the aisle.

Trains: Unfolded bikes can be rolled on CTA trains any time except weekdays 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., and on July 3 (Grant Park symphony and firework show).

Some train stations have bi-directional elevators.  Some stations have escalators, but the escalators go up only, not down.  Note that escalators on the south side are often out of service.  Some stations have only stairs.  Obtain a CTA system map that indicates accessible stations if carrying your bike up and down stairs is undesirable.  Be aware of stairwell exits that lead to full-length turnstiles; there will be an alternative stairwell that will have an accessible turnstile or a gate that a security will open for you.

Note that the CTA absolves itself from any liability arising from a bicycle on its property and equipment and shifts that responsibility to the cyclist.

No surcharge.

Pace
Source: http://www.pacebus.com/sub/bus_system/bicycle_racks.asp

There is no specific language about bikes or baggage on Pace buses at the Pace web site.

All Pace buses are equipped with bike racks.

No surcharge.

Hammond Transit System
Source: http://hmdin.com/transit/

If you have bags or packages, they must be stored either on the seat next to you, or on the floor in front of you. Bags  and packages cannot be stored in the aisle.

Only a few HTS buses have bike racks, so being able to transport your bike unfolded is unlikely.

No surcharge.

East Chicago Transit
Source: http://www.eastchicago.com/bustransit.html

If you have any packages, place them at your feet. Do not leave bags/packages in the aisle of the buses.

East Chicago buses do not have bike racks.  East Chicago buses are free!

No surcharge.

megabus.com
Source: http://www.megabus.com/us/help/index.php?select=general%7C7

Passengers are advised that megabus.com will accept up to one piece of luggage per passenger. For guidance this should be no more than the size of a standard suitcase and should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Passengers can also take on board one small piece of luggage that will fit in the overhead storage compartment

To be continued...