Federal Policy
Top Categories
After lobbying by CTA and Pace, RTA board shifts some COVID funding from Metra
Under the new agreement, the CTA will get $912.1 million (61 percent of the funds), while Metra will get $513.6 million (34 percent) and Pace will get $71.3 million (5 percent).
November 8, 2021
CTA, Pace, and Metra are fighting over federal COVID stimulus funding split
CTA and Pace officials have objected to the Regional Transportation Authority's proposal for divvying up American Rescue Plan Act stimulus funds between those systems and Metra.
November 5, 2021
I’m fairly optimistic about the future of public transportation – if we take action now
As Mark Twain might have said, reports of the death of transit have been greatly exaggerated, but we do need to take decisive action to make buses and trains a more reliable and appealing option.
November 3, 2021
Congressmen Garcia, Schneider introduce rail grade separation funding bill
The reps noted that in addition to preventing crashes, separating rail crossings can also improve passenger and freight rail service by allowing for higher speeds and more frequent service.
October 30, 2021
Proposed Pace 2022 budget expands infrastructure, but is vague on service restorations
The suburban bus agency hinted at reinstating at least some of the suspended routes, but the public won’t find out any details until Pace releases its 2022 budget on October 20.
October 8, 2021
More deets about the UPN Line bridge replacement project from the recent meeting
Nearby residents and businesses are wondering about the construction impacts, including possible flooding issues, and just how close to their homes the new tracks will be.
September 13, 2021
Metra holds virtual meeting on $262.3M project to replace UP North bridges Thursday
The initiative will rebuild eleven 120-year-old Union Pacific North line bridges in Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
September 8, 2021
Lake Street jive: NBC amplifies Romanelli’s scheme to use transit funds for a trucking issue
In reality Romanelli's proposal to rebuild the tracks to make driving easier is a road project. As such, he should be pursuing road funding for it, not transit money.
August 30, 2021
New Illinois legislation is a step forward in reducing vulnerable road user deaths
The legislation requires IDOT to conduct a traffic study following "the occurrence of any [crash] involving a pedestrian fatality that occurs at an intersection of a state highway."
August 25, 2021
Chicago transportation advocates weigh in on car-centric federal infrastructure bill
The increased investment in walking, biking, and transit is great, but these investments are at risk of being outweighed by an increase in roadway expansion.
August 16, 2021
