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App Will Route People, Especially Wheelchair Users, Around Sidewalk Issues
Local computer programmer Steve Luker is creating to create a new app to identify and eliminate all the major bumps, cracks, and missing curb ramps on sidewalks, as well as missing sidewalks, in the Chicago area. While these flaws are an annoyance for everyone, they can be significant barriers for people with disabilities. This issue is personal for Luker, who has cerebral palsy and uses an electric wheelchair to get around. He lives in the northwest suburbs and takes transit to various offices around the region, so sidewalk issues make it more difficult for him to access job sites.
June 10, 2016
Metra Studying Replacement for Old Switch Machine to Improve Reliability
Commuter trains rumble by every few minutes while four Metra workers tell me inside a control tower how they keep 370 trains moving every day. The machine that controls switches between tracks has been operating since 1937. There needs to be more reliable and resilient equipment in place, but it's not a cheap or easy job to replace an ancient system.
June 3, 2016
Coalition for a Modern Metra Electric Wants More Service, Fare Integration
Transportation advocacy organizations and community groups have joined forces as the Coalition for a Modern Metra Electric, pushing for improvements to the commuter rail line that could lead to better job access and more economic development on the South Side. They want to see rapid transit-style train frequency, fare and schedule integration with the CTA and Pace, and – eventually – the extension of the line all the way to O’Hare.
May 24, 2016
Moreno Announces Chicago’s First Affordable TOD Project in Logan Square
Transit-oriented development is a sensible way to build housing. Creating dense housing within a short walk of transit stations, without a lot of off-street parking makes it easier for more people to live without having to own a car. It leads to fewer newcomers bringing autos into neighborhoods, which reduces congestion and pollution. And, since garage spaces cost tens of thousands of dollars to build, it saves money for developers, which can result in lower condo prices and apartment rents.
May 21, 2016
“Summer by Rail” Train and Bike Blogger Checks Out Chicago Infrastructure
National Association of Railroad Passengers intern Elena Studier is taking a 38-day-trip around the country on Amtrak with her bicycle to document the current state of the U.S. passenger rail system and its connectivity with cycling. It’s a timely journey, since we’re now living in an era when an increasing number of Americans are interested in getting around without having to rely on driving.
May 18, 2016
It’s a Lobby-palooza! Join MPC’s 43 Minutes for $43 Billion Infrastructure Push
Are you ready for (almost three-quarters of) an hour of power?
May 17, 2016
MCZ’s Car-Centric West Loop Project Thumbs Its Nose at the TOD Ordinance
Talk about a missed opportunity.
May 16, 2016
City Announces Extended Routes, Service for South Side Bus and Rail Lines
For all his warts, Mayor Emanuel has a strong record on improving public transportation, including initiatives like the South Red Line reconstruction, the Loop Link bus rapid transit corridor, the Your New Blue rehab, and several completed and in-progress station construction projects. Today’s announcement that several South Side bus and rail lines will have more frequent service and/or extended routes also appears to be a step in the right direction.
May 12, 2016
Reminder: Just Laying Track Is No Guarantee Riders Will Come
Laying track isn't enough to build a successful transit system -- as some cities are learning the hard way.
May 12, 2016
CTA: We Can’t Reduces Fees That Social Service Providers Pay on Ventra
The Chicago Transit Authority said that it's working to address some of the new burdens that the switch to Ventra has created for social service providers, as described in a study from the Chicago Jobs Council, which I reported about on Monday.
May 11, 2016