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10 minute version: CTA promises shorter headways on 20 bus routes. There are a *bunch* of reasons riders hope the plan will work out.
The CTA recently announced it's launching a "Frequent Network" with ten-minute or shorter headways all day, seven days a week. The initiative includes 20 high-ridership bus lines citywide dubbed "Frequent Routes," starting with eight lines mostly located on the South Side. Some transit advocates say they're excited about the new initiatives, and have their fingers crossed that the increased service will be dependable, and free from the much-loathed "bus bunching" phenomenon.
March 5, 2025
At her joyful retirement party, the “Mayor” of the Armitage Brown Line station offers advice to live by for riders – and CTA brass
Last month, the grassroots transit advocacy group Commuters Take Action held a retirement party for controversial CTA President Dorval Carter Jr. While he did go out on a high note by securing $1.9 billion from the feds for the $5.7 Red Line Extension, he was highly unpopular with many riders due to the system's issues with unreliable service, crime, and sanitation. So the celebration was a tongue-in-cheek affair, and needless to say, the guest of honor was a no-show.
February 28, 2025
At CTA board meeting, interim president says she’ll tackle quality-of-ride issues, discussion of pilot to detect people and objects on tracks
At yesterday's CTA board meeting, new acting transit agency president Nora Leerhsen discussed issues she will prioritize in order to improve conditions on trains and increase ridership. These include addressing the problem of smoking on trains, and helping unhoused people who spend the night on the Red and Blue lines get access to shelters.
February 13, 2025
Pink station club: Tribune asks if redevelopment near United Center could lead to another new ‘L’ stop, which I proposed back in 2014
The Chicago Tribune editorial board members are probably not my biggest fans right now, since I recently pointed out questionable statements about bike lanes and Metra fares in their editorials.
February 10, 2025
Chicago Transit Board appoints acting president, discusses customer service and public safety
This week, the Chicago Transit Board appointed Dorval Carter’s Chief of Staff Nora Leerhsen to serve as the acting president for the agency, replacing the departing — and controversial — president until a permanent replacement is found.
January 16, 2025
Ald. Vasquez, CTAction, and ATA’s Amy Rynell weigh in on the long-demanded departure of Dorval Carter
It was a bombshell, but not a huge surprise, when the CTA announced this morning that President Dorval R. Carter Jr. is stepping down from his post at the end of this month.
January 13, 2025
All aboard the CTA Holiday Train
Hard-boiled Streetsblog reporter J. Niimi hitches a ride with Santa Claus during a trip on the Blue Line's Forest Park branch.
December 24, 2024
CTA board reflects on the highs and lows of 2024, goals for 2025, at final meeting of the year
At this week's final CTA board meeting of 2024, the directors approved several ordinances. Most notably, the CTA and DePaul University’s Driehaus College of Business agreed to launch a pair of pilot programs to help small minority-owned small businesses win contracts with the transit agency.
December 13, 2024
Mind your manners: How can we improve conditions and etiquette on the CTA?
By J. Niimi
December 3, 2024
At public meeting on the CTA’s proposed 2025 budget, residents voice concerns about security and reliability
Commenters also discussed agency consolidation, bus bunching, the CTA chatbot, and fleet electrification.
November 8, 2024
