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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
After multiple snafus, Metra breaks ground on long-awaited Peterson/Ridge station
Construction was delayed due to state budget issues impacting funding and most recently, issues with permits.
November 2, 2021
New sidewalk installed, crummy pavement replaced in BNSF Western stop viaduct
The makeover should make conditions a little safer and more pleasant for Metra commuters.
November 1, 2021
End of the Rocky saga: Exiting Pace chief sees less future emphasis on fixed routes
“My crystal ball is you'll see less fixed-route service. I'm not sure that the traditional fixed route service will work."
November 1, 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
September Loop Alliance report shows slow, steady increase in walking, transit use
Hopefully promotional fares on the CTA, Metra, and the South Shore Line will help incentivize more folks to return to transit and drive less.
October 29, 2021
2022 Chicago budget passes including income-based fines, mental health funds
Reforms to the city's traffic fine structure should make it less regressive, and increased funding for mental health services could be a step in the right direction for improving transit safety.
October 28, 2021
Mapped: Here’s where Chicago is awarding 11 grants for equitable TOD projects.
Along with Elevated Chicago and Enterprise Community Partners, the city is providing $160,000 in microgrants and technical assistance to help out with project construction near transit stations across Chicago.
October 27, 2021
CTA budget calls for reducing pass prices, and faster, more eco-friendly bus service
The CTA‘s 2022 budget calls for the system's biggest fare chance since 2013, slashing all pass prices and getting riding of the 25-cent charge for the first transfer.
October 27, 2021